Wireless interactive headset

ABSTRACT

A wearable wireless audio device includes a support, an electronics circuit, and a speaker. The support includes a first ear stem and an orbital, and is configured to support at least one lens in a wearer&#39;s field of view. The electronics circuit is supported by the support and is configured to receive at least one digital audio file and generate an audio signal indicative of the at least one digital audio file. The speaker is supported by the support, and is directed toward at least one of the wearer&#39;s ears. The speaker is configured to convert the audio signal into sound. The speaker has a speaker face, and the speaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which the speaker is inclined at an angle with respect to the yz-plane. The speaker is coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and is configured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining the speaker face substantially parallel to a yz-plane. The speaker is configured to move along an axis substantially parallel to a z-axis with respect to the support.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/993,217, filed Nov. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,734, which iscontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/628,831,filed Jul. 28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,526, which claims prioritybenefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Nos.60/399,317, filed Jul. 26, 2002 and 60/460,154, filed Apr. 3, 2003, andwhich is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/004,543, filed Dec. 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,647, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/585,593, filed Jun.2, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,507, and the present application claimspriority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 to the same. Moreover, the presentapplication incorporates all of the foregoing disclosures herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to wearable audio devices, and inparticular, devices that humans can wear on their heads.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the portable audio playback industry, certain devices for remoteaudio listening have become more popular. Certain companies have begunto widely distribute portable audio playback devices, such as MP3players, which allow a user to listen to audio files with the use ofheadphones. For example, a user can wear a headset having speakersconnected by a flexible cable to an MP3 player, which can be worn on thebelt. However, with such headsets, whenever a user wants to wear glassesor sunglasses, they must adjust or remove the headset from their ears.Further, it is often quite uncomfortable to wear both a headset and apair of sunglasses at the same time. Such discomfort, when applied for along period of time, can cause muscular pain and/or headaches. Inaddition, the flexible cable extending from the MP3 player to theheadphones can limit mobility of the wearer; particularly thoseparticipating in sporting activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wearablewireless audio device, includes a support, a support arm, and anelectronics circuit. The support includes a first ear stem and anorbital, and is configured to support at least one lens in a wearer'sfield of view. The support arm has a first end, a second end, a firstmoveable joint coupled to the first end and the first ear stem, and asecond moveable joint coupled to the second end. The first moveablejoint provides rotation about a first rotation axis and the secondmoveable joint provides rotation about a second rotation axis. The firstrotation axis and the second rotation axis are substantiallyperpendicular to one another. The electronics circuit is supported bythe support and is configured to receive at least one digital audio fileand generate an audio signal indicative of the at least one digitalaudio file.

In another embodiment, the electronics circuit is configured to processthe digital audio file prior to generating the audio signal. In anotherembodiment, the wearable wireless audio device also includes a firstspeaker supported by the support, is directed toward at least one of thewearer's ears, and is configured to convert the audio signal into sound.The speaker generally includes a speaker face, and is configured torotate from a first position in which the speaker face is substantiallyparallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which the speaker issubstantially parallel to an xz-plane. In another embodiment, thespeaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which thespeaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a secondposition in which the speaker inclined at an angle with respect to theyz-plane. In one embodiment, the angle is between about 30° and about90°.

In another embodiment, the speaker is configured to rotate along anarcuate path about an axis substantially parallel to an x-axis from afirst position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to ayz-plane to a second position in which the speaker remains substantiallyparallel to the yz-plane, and wherein the speaker is configured to movean adjustment distance in a direction substantially parallel to a z-axisas a result of said rotation. In one embodiment, the adjustment distanceis about 3 cm.

In yet another embodiment, the speaker includes a speaker face, and thespeaker is coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and the speakeris configured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining thespeaker face substantially parallel to a yz-plane. In anotherembodiment, the speaker is configured to move along an axissubstantially parallel to a z-axis with respect to the support.

In one embodiment, the digital audio file is compressed, and may be anMP3 formatted file. In another embodiment, the support includes achannel and a conductor, wherein the channel extends along at least aportion of the ear stem, and the conductor is located at least partiallywithin the channel.

In another embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device furtherincludes a second ear stem, the electronics circuit comprises a memorycircuit and a processor, and the memory circuit is carried by the firstear stem, and the memory circuit is carried by the second ear stem. Inone embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device also includes asecond ear stem, wherein the electronics circuit comprises a battery anda processor, and wherein the battery is carried by the first ear stem,and the memory circuit is carried by the second ear stem. In anotherembodiment, the electronics components are distributed between the firstand second ear stems. In yet another embodiment, the wearable wirelessaudio device includes a nose bridge, wherein digital signals generatedby the electronics circuit are transmitted across the nose bridge.

In another embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device includes adata port, wherein the data port is carried by the ear stem. The dataport may be selected from the group comprising: a mini-USB connector, aFIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232 connector, aJTAB connector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio, an RFreceiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver. In another embodiment, the wearablewireless audio device is removably connectable to a computing device.The wearable wireless audio device may be removably connectable to acomputing device with a data port, wherein said data port is mounted tosaid wearable wireless audio device. In one embodiment, the data port isselected from the group consisting of: a mini-USB connector, a USBconnector, a FIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232connector, a JTAB connector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio,an RF receiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver. In yet another embodiment, thewearable wireless audio device also includes a protective door, whereinthe protective door protects said data port from a contaminant when saidwearable wireless audio device is disconnected from said computingdevice.

In one embodiment, the electronics circuit is further configured todecompress the audio file. The electronics circuit may be configured toreceive at least one digital audio file at a data transfer rate. Thedata transfer rate may be selected from the group consisting of: about1.5 Mbps, about 12 Mbps, about 100 Mbps, about 200 Mbps, about 400 Mbps,about 480 Mbps, greater than about 100 Mbps, greater than about 200Mbps, greater than about 400 Mbps, greater than about 1000 Mbps, lessthan about 100 Mbps, and less than about 50 Mbps.

In another embodiment, the at least one digital audio file has beenencoded at a data encoding rate. The data encoding rate may be selectedfrom the group consisting of: 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps,less than about 128 kbps, less than about 160 kbps, less than about 192kbps, less than about 256 kbps, and more than about 256 kbps.

In another embodiment, the at least one digital audio file is compressedaccording to a compression format. The compression format is selectedfrom the group consisting of: PCM, DPCM, ADPCM, AAC, RAW, DM, RIFF, WAV,BWF, AIFF, AU, SND, CDA, MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-2.5, MPEG-4, MPEG-J,MPEG 2-ACC, MP3, MP3Pro, ACE, MACE, MACE-3, MACE-6, AC-3, ATRAC, ATRAC3,EPAC, Twin VQ, VQF, WMA, WMA with DRM, DTS, DVD Audio, SACD, TAC, SHN,OGG, Ogg Vorbis, Ogg Tarkin, Ogg Theora, ASF, LQT, QDMC, A2b, .ra, .rm,and Real Audio G2, RMX formats, Fairplay, Quicktime, SWF, and PCA.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, awearable wireless audio device includes a support, an electronicscircuit and a first speaker. The support comprises a first ear stem andan orbital, and the support is configured to support at least one lensin a wearer's field of view. The electronics circuit is supported by thesupport and is configured to receive at least one digital audio file andgenerate an audio signal indicative of the at least one digital audiofile. The first speaker is supported by the support, is directed towardat least one of the wearer's ears, and is configured to convert theaudio signal into sound.

The speaker may comprise a speaker face, and the speaker is configuredto rotate from a first position in which the speaker face issubstantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which thespeaker is inclined at an angle with respect to the yz-plane. Thespeaker is coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and the speakeris configured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining thespeaker face substantially parallel to a yzplane. The speaker isconfigured to move along an axis substantially parallel to a z-axis withrespect to the support.

In another embodiment, the electronics circuit is configured to processthe digital audio file prior to generating the audio signal. The speakergenerally includes a speaker face, and is configured to rotate from afirst position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to ayz-plane to a second position in which the speaker is substantiallyparallel to an xz-plane. In one embodiment, the angle is between about30° and about 90°.

In another embodiment, the speaker is configured to rotate along anarcuate path about an axis substantially parallel to an x-axis from afirst position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to ayz-plane to a second position in which the speaker remains substantiallyparallel to the yz-plane, and wherein the speaker is configured to movean adjustment distance in a direction substantially parallel to a z-axisas a result of said rotation. In one embodiment, the adjustment distanceis about 3 cm.

In one embodiment, the digital audio file is compressed, and may be anMP3 formatted file. In another embodiment, the support includes achannel and a conductor, wherein the channel extends along at least aportion of the ear stem, and the conductor is located at least partiallywithin the channel.

In another embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device furtherincludes a second ear stem, the electronics circuit comprises a memorycircuit and a processor, and the memory circuit is carried by the firstear stem, and the memory circuit is carried by the second ear stem. Inone embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device also includes asecond ear stem, wherein the electronics circuit comprises a battery anda processor, and wherein the battery is carried by the first ear stem,and the memory circuit is carried by the second ear stem. In anotherembodiment, the electronics components are distributed between the firstand second ear stems. In yet another embodiment, the wearable wirelessaudio device includes a nose bridge, wherein digital signals generatedby the electronics circuit are transmitted across the nose bridge.

In another embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device includes adata port, wherein the data port is carried by the ear stem. The dataport may be selected from the group comprising: a mini-USB connector, aFIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232 connector, aJTAB connector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio, an RFreceiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver. In another embodiment, the wearablewireless audio device is removably connectable to a computing device.The wearable wireless audio device may be removably connectable to acomputing device with a data port, wherein said data port is mounted tosaid wearable wireless audio device. In one embodiment, the data port isselected from the group consisting of: a mini-USB connector, a USBconnector, a FIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232connector, a JTAB connector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio,an RF receiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver. In yet another embodiment, thewearable wireless audio device also includes a protective door, whereinthe protective door protects said data port from a contaminant when saidwearable wireless audio device is disconnected from said computingdevice.

In one embodiment, the electronics circuit is further configured todecompress the audio file. The electronics circuit may be configured toreceive at least one digital audio file at a data transfer rate. Thedata transfer rate may be selected from the group consisting of: about1.5 Mbps, about 12 Mbps, about 100 Mbps, about 200 Mbps, about 400 Mbps,about 480 Mbps, greater than about 100 Mbps, greater than about 200Mbps, greater than about 400 Mbps, greater than about 1000 Mbps, lessthan about 100 Mbps, and less than about 50 Mbps.

In another embodiment, the at least one digital audio file has beenencoded at a data encoding rate. The data encoding rate may be selectedfrom the group consisting of: 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps,less than about 128 kbps, less than about 160 kbps, less than about 192kbps, less than about 256 kbps, and more than about 256 kbps.

In another embodiment, the at least one digital audio file is compressedaccording to a compression format. The compression format may beselected from the group consisting of: PCM, DPCM, ADPCM, AAC, RAW, DM,RIFF, WAV, BWF, AIFF, AU, SND, CDA, MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-2.5,MPEG-4, MPEG-J, MPEG 2-ACC, MP3, MP3Pro, ACE, MACE, MACE-3, MACE-6,AC-3, ATRAC, ATRAC3, EPAC, TwinVQ, VQF, WMA, WMA with DRM, DTS, DVDAudio, SACD, TAC, SHN, OGG, Ogg Vorbis, Ogg Tarkin, Ogg Theora, ASF,LQT, QDMC, A2b, .ra, .rm, and Real Audio G2, RMX formats, Fairplay,Quicktime, SWF, and PCA.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of processing audio with a wearable wireless audio devicecomprises: supporting at least one lens in a wearer's field of view witha first ear stem and an orbital; receiving at least one digital audiofile within the first ear stem or the orbital; generating an audiosignal indicative of the at least one digital audio file within thefirst ear stem or the orbital; supporting a first speaker with the firstear stem; and directing said first speaker toward at least one of thewearer's ears, wherein the speaker comprises a speaker face, and whereinthe speaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which thespeaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a secondposition in which the speaker is inclined at an angle with respect tothe yz-plane, wherein the speaker is coupled to the support with aspeaker pivot, and wherein the speaker is configured to rotate about thespeaker pivot while maintaining the speaker face substantially parallelto a yz-plane, and wherein the speaker is configured to move along anaxis substantially parallel to a z-axis with respect to the support.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises processing the digitalaudio file prior to generating the audio signal. In one embodiment, thespeaker includes a speaker face, and is configured to rotate from afirst position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to ayz-plane to a second position in which the speaker is substantiallyparallel to an xz-plane. In one embodiment, the angle is between about30° and about 90°.

In another embodiment, the speaker is configured to rotate along anarcuate path about an axis substantially parallel to an x-axis from afirst position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to ayz-plane to a second position in which the speaker remains substantiallyparallel to the yz-plane, and wherein the speaker is configured to movean adjustment distance in a direction substantially parallel to a z-axisas a result of said rotation. In one embodiment, the adjustment distanceis about 3 cm.

In one embodiment, the digital audio file is compressed, and may be anMP3 formatted file. In another embodiment, the method further comprisesproviding a channel and a conductor, wherein the channel extends alongat least a portion of the ear stem, and the conductor is located atleast partially within the channel.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing a secondear stem, wherein the electronics circuit comprises a memory circuit anda processor, and the memory circuit is carried by the first ear stem,and the memory circuit is carried by the second ear stem. In oneembodiment, the method further comprises providing a second ear stem,wherein the electronics circuit comprises a battery and a processor, andwherein the battery is carried by the first ear stem, and the memorycircuit is carried by the second ear stem.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing a secondear stem, wherein the electronics components are distributed between thefirst and second ear stems. In yet another embodiment, the methodfurther comprises providing a nose bridge, wherein digital signalsgenerated by the electronics circuit are transmitted across the nosebridge.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing a dataport, wherein the data port is carried by the ear stem. The data portmay be selected from the group comprising: a mini-USB connector, aFIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232 connector, aJTAB connector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio, an RFreceiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver. In another embodiment, the wearablewireless audio device is removably connectable to a computing device.The wearable wireless audio device may be removably connectable to acomputing device with a data port, wherein said data port is mounted tosaid wearable wireless audio device. In one embodiment, the data port isselected from the group consisting of: a mini-USB connector, a USBconnector, a FIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232connector, a JTAB connector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio,an RF receiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver. In yet another embodiment, themethod further comprises providing a protective door, wherein theprotective door protects said data port from a contaminant when saidwearable wireless audio device is disconnected from said computingdevice.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises decompressing the audiofile. In another embodiment, the receiving is performed at a datatransfer rate. The data transfer rate may be selected from the groupconsisting of: about 1.5 Mbps, about 12 Mbps, about 100 Mbps, about 200Mbps, about 400 Mbps, about 480 Mbps, greater than about 100 Mbps,greater than about 200 Mbps, greater than about 400 Mbps, greater thanabout 1000 Mbps, less than about 100 Mbps, and less than about 50 Mbps.

In another embodiment, the at least one digital audio file has beenencoded at a data encoding rate. The data encoding rate may be selectedfrom the group consisting of: 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps,less than about 128 kbps, less than about 160 kbps, less than about 192kbps, less than about 256 kbps, and more than about 256 kbps.

In another embodiment, the at least one digital audio file is compressedaccording to a compression format. The compression format may beselected from the group consisting of: PCM, DPCM, ADPCM, AAC, RAW, DM,RIFF, WAV, BWF, AIFF, AU, SND, CDA, MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-2.5,MPEG-4, MPEG-J, MPEG 2-ACC, MP3, MP3Pro, ACE, MACE, MACE-3, MACE-6,AC-3, ATRAC, ATRAC3, EPAC, Twin VQ, VQF, WMA, WMA with DRM, DTS, DVDAudio, SACD, TAC, SHN, OGG, Ogg Vorbis, Ogg Tarkin, Ogg Theora, ASF,LQT, QDMC, A2b, .ra, .rm, and Real Audio G2, RMX formats, Fairplay,Quicktime, SWF, and PCA.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of processing audio with a wearable wireless audio devicecomprises: supporting at least one lens in a wearer's field of view witha first ear stem and an orbital; providing a support arm, the supportarm comprising a first end, a second end, a first moveable joint coupledto the first end and the first ear stem, and a second moveable jointcoupled to the second end, wherein the first moveable joint providesrotation about a first rotation axis and the second moveable jointprovides rotation about a second rotation axis, wherein said firstrotation axis and said second rotation axis are substantiallyperpendicular to one another; and receiving at least one digital audiofile within the first ear stem or the orbital; and generating an audiosignal indicative of the at least one digital audio file within thefirst ear stem or the orbital.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises processing the digitalaudio file prior to generating the audio signal. In another embodiment,the method further comprises supporting a first speaker with thesupport, wherein the first speaker is configured to be directed towardat least one of the wearer's ears, and wherein the first speaker isconfigured to convert the audio signal into sound.

In one embodiment, the speaker comprises a speaker face, and the speakeris configured to rotate from a first position in which the speaker faceis substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in whichthe speaker is substantially parallel to an xz-plane. In anotherembodiment, the speaker comprises a speaker face, and the speaker isconfigured to rotate from a first position in which the speaker face issubstantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which thespeaker inclined at an angle with respect to the yz-plane. The angle maybe between about 30° and about 90°.

In one embodiment, the speaker comprises a speaker face, and the speakeris configured to rotate along an arcuate path about an axissubstantially parallel to an x-axis from a first position in which thespeaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a secondposition in which the speaker remains substantially parallel to theyz-plane, and wherein the speaker is configured to move an adjustmentdistance in a direction substantially parallel to a z-axis as a resultof said rotation. In one embodiment, the adjustment distance is about 3cm.

In one embodiment, the speaker comprises a speaker face, and the speakeris coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and the speaker isconfigured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining thespeaker face substantially parallel to a yz-plane. In anotherembodiment, the speaker is configured to move along an axissubstantially parallel to a z-axis with respect to the support.

In one embodiment, the digital audio file is compressed, and may be anMP3 formatted file. In one embodiment, the method of processing audiowith a wearable wireless audio device further comprises providing achannel and a conductor, wherein the channel extends along at least aportion of the ear stem, and wherein the conductor is located at leastpartially within the channel. In one embodiment, the method furthercomprises providing a second ear stem, wherein the electronics circuitcomprises a memory circuit and a processor, and wherein the memorycircuit is carried by the first ear stem, and the memory circuit iscarried by the second ear stem. In one embodiment, the method furthercomprises providing a second ear stem, wherein the electronics circuitcomprises a battery and a processor, and wherein the battery is carriedby the first ear stem, and the memory circuit is carried by the secondear stem. In another embodiment, the method further comprises providinga second ear stem, wherein the electronics components are distributedbetween the first and second ear stems.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises providing a nose bridge,wherein digital signals generated by the electronics circuit aretransmitted across the nose bridge. In one embodiment, the methodfurther comprises providing a data port, wherein the data port iscarried by the ear stem. The data port may be selected from the groupcomprising: a mini-USB connector, a FIREWIRE connector, an IEEE 1394cable connector, an RS232 connector, a JTAB connector, an antenna, awireless receiver, a radio, an RF receiver, and a BLUETOOTH receiver.

In one embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device is removablyconnectable to a computing device. In one embodiment, the wearablewireless audio device is removably connectable to a computing devicewith a data port, wherein said data port is mounted to said wearablewireless audio device. The data port may be selected from the groupconsisting of: a mini-USB connector, a USB connector, a FIREWIREconnector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232 connector, a JTABconnector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio, an RF receiver, anda BLUETOOTH receiver.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing aprotective door, wherein said protective door protects said data portfrom a contaminant when said wearable wireless audio device isdisconnected from said computing device. In another embodiment, themethod further comprises decompressing the audio file.

In another embodiment, the receiving is performed at a data transferrate. The data transfer rate maybe selected from the group consistingof: about 1.5 Mbps, about 12 Mbps, about 100 Mbps, about 200 Mbps, about400 Mbps, about 480 Mbps, greater than about 100 Mbps, greater thanabout 200 Mbps, greater than about 400 Mbps, greater than about 1000Mbps, less than about 100 Mbps, and less than about 50 Mbps.

In one embodiment, the at least one digital audio file has been encodedat a data encoding rate. The data encoding rate may be selected from thegroup consisting of: 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps, less thanabout 128 kbps, less than about 160 kbps, less than about 192 kbps, lessthan about 256 kbps, and more than about 256 kbps.

In one embodiment, the at least one digital audio file is compressedaccording to a compression format. The compression format may beselected from the group consisting of: PCM, DPCM, ADPCM, AAC, RAW, DM,RIFF, WAV, BWF, AIFF, AU, SND, CDA, MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-2.5,MPEG-4, MPEG-J, MPEG 2-ACC, MP3, MP3Pro, ACE, MACE, MACE-3, MACE-6,AC-3, ATRAC, ATRAC3, EPAC, Twin VQ, VQF, WMA, WMA with DRM, DTS, DVDAudio, SACD, TAC, SHN, OGG, Ogg Vorbis, Ogg Tarkin, Ogg Theora, ASF,LQT, QDMC, A2b, .ra, .rm, and Real Audio G2, RMX formats, Fairplay,Quicktime, SWF, and PCA.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a wearablewireless audio device, comprises: means for supporting at least one lensin a wearer's field of view with a first ear stem and an orbital; meansfor providing a support arm, the support arm comprising a first end, asecond end, a first moveable joint coupled to the first end and thefirst ear stem, and a second moveable joint coupled to the second end,wherein the first moveable joint provides rotation about a firstrotation axis and the second moveable joint provides rotation about asecond rotation axis, wherein said first rotation axis and said secondrotation axis are substantially perpendicular to one another; andreceiving at least one digital audio file within the first ear stem orthe orbital; means for receiving at least one digital audio file withinthe first ear stem or the orbital; and means for generating an audiosignal indicative of the at least one digital audio file within thefirst ear stem or the orbital.

In one embodiment, the wearable wireless audio device is removablyconnectable to a computing device. In another embodiment, the wearablewireless audio device further comprises means for decompressing theaudio file. In one embodiment, the means for receiving at least onedigital audio file is configured to receive the at least one digitalaudio file at a data transfer rate, and in another embodiment, the atleast one digital audio file has been encoded at a data encoding rate.In one embodiment, the at least one digital audio file is compressedaccording to a compression format.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a speakersupport system, comprises: a support frame, adapted to be carried by ahead of a wearer; at least one speaker carried by the support frame, thespeaker having a sound propagation axis and a transverse axis, whereinthe transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the soundpropagation axis and lies substantially within a speaker plane of the atleast one speaker, wherein the support frame holds the at least onespeaker substantially adjacent an ear of the wearer such that thetransverse axis is inclined at an orientation angle with respect to atragus-tragus line, and wherein the orientation angle is within therange of from about 15 degrees to about 85 degrees. In one embodiment,the orientation angle is about 25 degrees.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art in view of the detaileddescription of preferred embodiments which follows, when consideredtogether with the attached drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a front elevational view of awearable audio device supported by a human head.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of an implementation of the audiodevice illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front, left side, and top perspective view of amodification of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a schematic top plan view of the audio device of FIG. 3A wornon the head of a wearer.

FIG. 3D is a front, top, and left side perspective view of anothermodification of the wearable audio devices illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and3A-C.

FIG. 3E is a rear, top, and right side perspective view of the wearableaudio device illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3F is a right side elevational view of the wearable audio deviceillustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3G is a left side elevational view of the wearable audio deviceillustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3H is a front elevational view of the wearable audio deviceillustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3I is a top plan view of the wearable audio device illustrated inFIG. 3D.

FIG. 3J is a front, top, and left side perspective and exploded view ofthe wearable audio device illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3K is an enlarged left side elevational view of one of the speakersof the audio device illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3L is an enlarged front elevational view of the speaker illustratedin FIG. 3K.

FIG. 3M is a schematic illustration of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 3D.

FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of a rear and left sideperspective view of a further modification of the wearable audio devicesillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-J.

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of a partial sectional and leftside elevational view of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIG.4A worn by a wearer.

FIG. 5A is a partial sectional and side elevational view of amodification of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a partial sectional and side elevational view of amodification of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of a modification of the audiodevice illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 worn on the head of a user.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a front elevational view of afurther modification of the audio device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2worn by a wearer and interacting with source electronics.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged schematic representation of a front elevationalview of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9B is a schematic representation of a left side elevational view ofthe audio device illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a schematic left side elevational view of a modification ofthe audio device illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9A, B.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a partial cross-sectional viewof a portion of any of the audio devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a partial cross-sectional viewof a modification of the portion illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of a modification of the audiodevices illustrated in FIGS. 8-12.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of communication hardware which canbe incorporated into any of the wearable audio device as illustrated inFIGS. 1-16 and the communication hardware of another device.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation showing three output signals, theuppermost signal being the output of a source device, and the lowersignals being the representation of the output of an encoder/decoderdevice illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the decoder illustrated in FIG.17.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a modification of the decoderillustrated in FIG. 19, which can be incorporated into any of thewearable audio devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-16.

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of an audio network.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of an audio playback method.

FIG. 24 is a right side elevational view of an audio device.

FIG. 24A is a detail view of a speaker pivot as in FIG. 24.

FIG. 24B is a detail view of an axially extendable speaker support.

FIG. 25 is a schematic of a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the audio device of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the audio device of FIG. 24 shownin a second configuration.

FIG. 28 is a left side elevational view of the audio device of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of a top plan view of a wearer'shead.

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of a partial horizontalcross-sectional view of the left ear of the wearer's head of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of a partial cross-sectional viewof the left ear of the wearer's head of FIG. 29, illustrating a speakerpositioned therein.

FIG. 32 is an elevational perspective view of an audio device inrelation to a reference system.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the audio device and reference system ofFIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of the audio device and referencesystem of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the audio device and referencesystem of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an audio device 10 includes a support12 and left and right speakers 14, 16.

The audio device 10 is illustrated as being supported on the head 18 ofa human. The head 18 includes a nose 19, and left and right ears 20, 22.The schematic representation of human ears 20 and 22 are intended torepresent the tissue forming the pinna of a human ear. With reference toFIG. 2, the meatus of the external auditory canal 24 is illustratedschematically as a circle (in phantom) generally at the center of theleft ear 20.

The support 12 is configured to be supported by the head 18. Thus, thesupport 12 can be in the form of any of a variety of wearable garmentsor devices, such as any known headwear. For example, but withoutlimitation, the support 12 can be in the form of a hat, sweatband,tiara, helmet, headphones, visor, and any of a variety of eyewear suchas goggles, masks, face shields and eyeglasses.

Advantageously, the support 12 is configured to support the speakers 14,16 at a position juxtaposed to the ears 20, 22, respectively, withoutapplying a force against the ears 20, 22 sufficient for anchoring thespeakers 14, 16 in place. Thus, the support 12 contacts the head 18 at aposition other than the outer surface of the ears 20, 22. As shown inFIG. 1, the support 12 is supported by the head 18 by a support portion26 which contacts a portion of the head 18 other than the outer surfaceof the ears 20, 22. For example, but without limitation, the support 26can contact the top of the head 18, the sides of the head 18, top of thenose 19, forehead, occipital lobe, etc.

The audio device 10 also includes support members 28, 30 which extendfrom the support 12 to the speakers 14, 16, respectively. The supportmembers 28, 30 are provided with sufficient strength to maintain theposition of the speakers 14, 16 such that the speakers 14, 16 are spacedfrom the outer surface of the ears 20, 22.

Optionally, the support members 28, 30 can be made from a flexiblematerial configured to allow the speakers 14, 16 to be moved toward andaway from the ears 20, 22, respectively. For example, any of a varietyof flexible metallic structures such as wire can be provided with aflexible polymer coating, to permit adjustability of the speakers 14,16. Metal or polymeric segmented support members 28, 30 can also beprovided. In general, the support members in accordance with this aspectof the invention are sufficiently flexible that they may be moved bymanual force between a first position in front of the ear of the wearer,and a second position, spaced apart from the first position. The supportmember 28, 30 are then able to retain the position into which they havebeen moved.

Alternatively, the support members 28, 30 can be mounted relative to thesupport 12 with a mechanical device configured to allow the speakers 14,16 to be moved toward and away from the ears 20, 22 respectively. Thesame mechanical device or an additional mechanical device can alsooptionally be configured to allow the speakers 14, 16 and/or supports28, 30 to be translated forward and rearwardly relative to the support12. Further, such mechanical devices can be used in conjunction with theflexibility provided to the support members 28, 30 from a flexiblematerial noted above. As such, the user can adjust the spacing betweenthe speakers 14, 16 and the ears 20, 22 to provide the desired spacing.

As noted above, the speakers 14, 16 are spaced from the ears 20, 22 suchthat the speakers 14, 16 do not engage the outer surface of the ears 20,22 with sufficient force to provide an anchoring effect for the speakers14, 16. Thus, the speakers 14, 16 can make contact with the ears 20, 22,at a pressure less than that sufficient to cause discomfort to the user.

Comfort of the user is further enhanced if the support 12 is configuredto maintain gaps 32, 34 between the speakers 14, 16 and the ears 20, 22,respectively. As such, the chance of irritation to the user's ears 20,22 is eliminated. Preferably, the gaps 32, 34 are within the range fromabout 2 mm to about 3 cm. The gaps 32, 34 can be measured from the innersurface of the speakers 14, 16 and the outer surface of the tragus(small projection along the front edge of a human ear which partiallyoverlies the meatus of the external auditory canal 24) (FIG. 2).

Such a spacing can allow the support 12 to be removed and replaced ontothe head 18 of the user without rubbing against the ears 20, 22. Thismakes the audio device 10 more convenient to use.

A modification of the audio device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3A, andreferred to generally by the reference numeral 10A. Components of theaudio device 10A that are the same as the audio device 10 have beengiven the same reference numeral, except that a letter “A” has beenadded thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment of the audio device 10A, the support 12Ais in the form of an eyeglass 40. The eyeglass 40 comprises a frame 42which supports left and right lenses 44, 46. Although the present audiodevice 10A will be described with reference to a dual lens eyeglass, itis to be understood that the methods and principles discussed herein arereadily applicable to the production of frames for unitary lens eyeglasssystems and protective goggle systems as well. Further, the lenses 44,46 can be completely omitted. Optionally, at least one of the lenses 44,46 can be in the form of a view finder or a video display unitconfigured to be viewable by a wearer of the support 12A.

Preferably, the lenses 44, 46 are configured to provide variable lightattenuation. For example, each of the lenses 44, 46 can comprise a pairof stacked polarized lenses, with one of the pair being rotatablerelative to the other. For example, each lens of the stacked pairs cancomprise an iodine stained polarizing element. By rotating one lensrelative to the other, the alignment of the polar directions of thelenses changes, thereby changing the amount of light that can passthrough the pair. U.S. Pat. No. 2,237,567 discloses iodine stainedpolarizers and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.Additionally, rotatable lens designs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,149,780, which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, the lenses 44, 46, can comprise photochromic compositionsthat darken in bright light and fade in lower light environments. Suchcompositions can include, for example, but without limitation, silver,copper, and cadmium halides. Photochromic compounds for lenses aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,312,811, 5,658,502, 4,537,612, each ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

More preferably, the lenses 44, 46 comprise a dichroic dye guest-hostdevice configured to provide variable light attenuation. For example,the lenses 44, 46 can comprise spaced substrates coated with aconducting layer, an alignment layer, and preferably a passivationlayer. Disposed between the substrates is a guest-host solution whichcomprises a host material and a light-absorbing dichroic dye guest. Apower circuit (not shown) can be supported by the frame 42. The powercircuit is provided with a power supply connected to the conductinglayers. Adjustment of the power supply alters the orientation of thehost material which in turn alters the orientation of the dichroic dye.Light is absorbed by the dichroic dye, depending upon its orientation,and thus provides variable light attenuation. Such a dichroic dyeguest-host device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,778, which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference.

Alternatively, the lenses may be pivotably or hingeably connected to theframe, so that they may be partially or completely rotated out of thefield of sight. See the discussion of FIGS. 25 and 26, below.

The frame 42 also comprises left and right orbitals 48, 50 forsupporting the left and right lenses 44, 46, respectively. Although thepresent invention will be described in the context of a pair of orbitals48, 50 which surround the respective lenses 44, 46, the principles ofthe present inventions also apply to eyeglass systems in which theorbitals only partially surround the lens or lenses, or contacts onlyone edge or a portion of one edge of the lens or each lens as well. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the orbitals 48, 50 are connected by abridge portion 52.

The eyeglass 40 is also provided with a pair of generally rearwardlyextending ear stems 54, 56 configured to retain the eyeglass 40 on thehead of a wearer. In addition, an open region 58 is configured toreceive the nose of the wearer, as is understood in the art. The openregion 58 may optionally be provided with a nose piece, either connectedto the lens orbitals 48, 50, or the bridge 52, or directly to thelenses, depending on the particular embodiment. Alternatively, the nosepiece may be formed by appropriately sculpting the medial edges of theorbitals 48, 50 and the lower edge of the bridge 52, as in theillustrated embodiment.

The frame 42 and the ear stems 54, 56 can be made from any appropriatematerial, including polymers and metals. Preferably, the frame 42 andthe ear stems 54, 56 are manufactured from a polymer. The orbitals 48,50 can be separately formed and assembled later with a separatelymanufactured bridge 52, or the orbitals 48, 50 and bridge 52 can beintegrally molded or cast. When a metal material is used, casting theeyeglass components directly into the final configuration desirablyeliminates the need to bend metal parts.

The ear stems 54, 56 are pivotally connected to the frame 42 with hinges60, 62. Additionally, the ear stems 54, 56 preferably include paddedportions 64, 66, respectively. The padded portions preferably comprise afoam, rubber, or other soft material for enhancing comfort for a wearer.The padded portions 64, 66 preferably are positioned such that when theaudio device 110A is worn by a wearer, the padded portions 64, 66contact the wearer between the side of the user's head and the superiorcrux and/or upper portion of the helix of the wearer's ears.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support members 28A, 30A are in theform of support arms 68, 70 extending downwardly from the ear stems 54,56, respectively. As such, the speakers 14A, 16A can be preciselypositioned relative to the ears 20, 22 (FIG. 1) of a wearer's head 18.Because the eyeglass 40 is generally supported at three points ofcontact with the wearer's head, the alignment of the speakers 14A, 16Awith the ears 20, 22 can be reliably repeated. In particular, theeyeglass 40 is supported at the left ear stem in the vicinity of theleft ear 20, at the bridge 52 by a portion of the user's head 18 in thevicinity of the nose 19, and at the right ear stem 56 by a portion ofthe user's head 18 in the vicinity of the ear 22.

Optionally, the support arms 68, 70 can be flexible. Thus, users canadjust the spacing 32, 34 (FIG. 1) between the speakers 14A, 16A and theears 20, 22, respectively. Once a wearer adjusts the spacing of thespeakers 14A, 16A from the ears 20, 22, respectively, the spacing willbe preserved each time the wearer puts on or removes the eyeglass 40.The various degrees of adjustability for the speakers will be discussedin detail below.

Further, the support arms 68, 70 can be attached to the ear stems 54,56, respectively, with mechanical devices (not shown) configured toallow the support arms 68, 70 to be adjustable. For example, such amechanical device can allow the support arms 68, 70 to be pivoted,rotated, and/or translated so as to adjust a spacing between thespeakers 14A, 16A and the ears 20, 22. The same mechanical devices orother mechanical devices can be configured to allow the support arm 68,70 to be pivoted, rotated, and/or translated to adjust a forward torearward alignment and/or an up-down alignment of the speakers 14A, 16Aand the ears 20, 22, respectively. Such mechanical devices are describedin greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 3D-J and FIGS. 23-30,below.

With the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, the audio device 10A maintainsthe speakers 14A, 16A in a juxtaposed position relative to the ears 20,22, respectively, and spaced therefrom. Thus, the user is not likely toexperience discomfort from wearing and using the audio device 10A.

Preferably, the support arms 68, 70 are raked rearwardly along the earstems 54, 56, respectively. As such, the support arms 68, 70 bettercooperate with the shape of the human ear. For example, the helix andthe lobe of the human ear are generally raised and extend outwardly fromthe side of a human head. The helix extends generally from an upperforward portion of the ear, along the top edge of the ear, thendownwardly along a rearward edge of the ear, terminating at the lobe.However, the tragus is nearly flush with the side of the human head.Thus, by arranging the support arm 68, 70 in a rearwardly rakedorientation, the support arms 68, 70 are less likely to make contactwith any portion of the ear. Particularly, the support arms 68, 70 canbe positioned so as to be lower than and medial to the upper portion ofthe helix, above the lobe, and preferably overlie the tragus.

Alternatively, the support arms 68, 70 can be attached to the ear stems54, 56, respectively, at a position rearward from the meatus of the ears20, 22 when the eyeglass 40 is worn by a user. As such, the support arms68, 70 preferably are raked forwardly so as to extend around the helixand position the speakers 14A, 16A approximately over the tragus. Thisconstruction provides a further advantage in that if a user rotates theeyeglass 40 such that the lenses 44, 46 are moved upwardly out of thefield of view of the wearer (such that the eyeglasses are worn acrossthe forehead or across the top of the head), the speakers 14A, 16A canbe more easily maintained in alignment with the ears 20, 22 of thewearer.

Preferably, the support arms 68, 70 are raked rearwardly so as to formangles 72, 74 relative to an approximate longitudinal axis of the earstems 54, 56. The angles 72, 74 can be between 0 and 90 degrees.Preferably, the angles 72, 74 are between 10 and 70 degrees. Morepreferably, the angles 72, 74 are between 20 and 50 degrees. The angles72, 74 can be between about 35 and 45 degrees. In the illustratedembodiment, the angles 72, 74 are about 40 degrees.

Optionally, the support arm 68, 70 can be curved within ananterior-posterior plane. In this configuration, the angles 72, 74 canbe measured between the longitudinal axis of the ear stems 54, 56 and aline extending from the point at which the support arm 68, 70 connect tothe ear stems 54, 56 and the speakers 14A, 16A.

The audio device 10A can be used as an audio output device for any typeof device which provides an audio output signal. The audio device 10Acan include an audio input terminal or jack disposed anywhere on theeyeglass 40 for receiving a digital or analog audio signal. Preferably,wires connecting the input jack (not shown) with the speakers 14A, 16Aextend through the interior of the ear stems 54, 56 so as to preservethe outer appearance of the eyeglass 40. Alternatively, the audio device10A can include a wireless receiver or transceiver for receiving digitalsignals from another device.

With reference to FIGS. 3D-3J, a modification of the audio devices 10,10A is illustrated therein and referred to generally by the referencenumeral 10A′. The audio device 10A′ can include the same components asthe audio devices 10, 10A except as noted below. Components of the audiodevice 10A′ that are similar to the corresponding components of theaudio devices 10, 10A may be identified with the same reference numeralsexcept, that a “′” has been added thereto.

The audio device 10A′ is in the form of an eyeglass 12A′ having a frame40A′. The audio device 10A′ also includes a device for the storage andplayback of a sound recording.

As noted above, an aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosedherein includes a realization that the forward to rearward spacing ofthe bridge of a human nose to the auditory canal of the ear falls into arelatively narrow range of distances for large portions of thepopulation. For example, the forward-to-rearward spacing from the bridgeof the nose to the auditory canal is normally between about 4⅞ inches toabout 5⅛ inches, and often between about 4¾ inches and about 5¼ inches.Corresponding anterior-posterior plane adjustability of the speakers ispreferably provided.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 3F, the audio device 10A′ is configuredsuch that the supports 68′, 70′, can translate, along a forward torearward direction, over a range identified generally by the referencenumeral Rt. Preferably, the range Rt is at least about ⅛ of one inch.Further, the range Rt can be at least about ¼ of one inch. Further, therange Rt can be in the range of from about 0.25 inches to about 1.5inches, and in one construction is about 0.75 of one inch. The midpointof the anterior-posterior range of motion is generally positioned withrespect to the bridge of the nose within the range of from about 4⅞inches to about 5⅛ inches posteriorly of the eyeglass nose bridge. Assuch, a substantial percentage of the human population will be able toalign a Center (C) of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ with their auditory canal.

With reference to FIG. 3G, a further advantage is provided where thediameter Ds of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ is greater than about 0.5 inches,such as about 1 inch or greater. As such, an effective range Re (FIG.3F) over which the speakers 14A′, 16A′ can reach, is significantlyenhanced with respect to the above-noted nose bridge to auditory canalspacings for humans.

Thus, the connection between the supports 68′, 70′ to the ear stems 54′,56′, respectively, can be configured to allow a limitedanterior-posterior translational range of movement of Rt yet provide alarger range of coverage Re.

Preferably, the connection between the support 68′, 70′ and the earstems 54′, 56′, is configured such that the translational position ofthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ is maintained when a user removes the audiodevice 10A′ from their head. For example, the connection between thesupports 68′, 70′, and the ear stems 54′, 56′ can generate sufficientfriction so as to resist movement due to the weight of the supports 68′,70′ and the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Alternatively, the connection or anadjustment device can include locks, clips, or other structures toprevent unwanted translational movement of the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Assuch, a further advantage is provided in that a user can repeatedlyremove and replace the audio device 10A′ without having to readjust thetranslational position of the speakers 14A′, 16A′.

Another advantage is provided where the supports 68′, 70′ are made froma material or design that is substantially rigid, at least at roomtemperature. For example, with reference to FIG. 3F, the angles 72′, 74′defined between the supports 68′, 70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′,respectively, can be maintained at a predetermined value while thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ can be moved along an anterior-posterior axis overthe range Rt. Thus, as noted above with reference to FIG. 3A and thedescription of the angles 72, 74, the angles 72′, 74′ can be maintainedat a desired angle as a user moves the speakers 14A′, 16A′ over therange Rt.

Optionally, the supports 68′, 70′ can be made from a material that canbe deformed at room temperature. However, more preferably the materialis sufficiently rigid such that substantial pressure is required tochange the angle 74′. Alternatively, the supports 68′, 70′ can be madefrom a thermally sensitive material that can be softened with theapplication of heat. Thus, a wearer of the audio device 10A′ can heatthe supports 68′, 70′ and adjust the angle 74′ to optimize comfort forthe particular wearer. Such thermal sensitive materials are widely usedin the eyewear industry and thus a further description of such materialsis not deemed necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art to make anduse the inventions disclosed herein. Alternatively, the speakers can bepivotably mounted to the supports, and/or the supports can be pivotablymounted to the ear stems, to allow further adjustability in theanterior-posterior plane as well as in the lateral or medial direction.

Preferably, the angles 72′, 74′ and lengths of the correspondingsupports are selected such that the spacing Vs between the center C ofthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ and a lower surface of the ear stems 54′, 56′ iswithin the range of about 0.25 inch to about 1.75 inch, and often withinthe range of from about 0.75 of an inch to about 1.25 inches. One aspectof at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes therealization that there is little variation in the spacing for adulthumans between the center of the auditory canal and the connectingtissue between the pinna of the ear and the skin on the side of thehead. In particular, it has been found that in virtually all humans, thedistance between the upper most connection of the ear and the head tothe center of the auditory canal is between 0.75 of an inch and 1.25inches. Thus, by sizing the angles 72′, 74′ such that the spacing Vs isbetween about 0.75 of an inch and 1.25 inches, the audio device 10A canbe worn by virtually any adult human and has sufficient alignmentbetween the wearer's auditory canal and the center C of the speakers14A′, 16A′. Further, where the diameter Ds of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ isabout 1 inch, almost any human can wear the audio device 10A′ withouthaving to adjust the angles 72′, 74′. In other words, the auditory canalof virtually any human would be aligned with a portion of the speakers14A′, 16A′ although the wearer's auditory canal might not be preciselyaligned with the center C of the speakers 14A′, 16A′.

With reference to FIG. 3H, the supports 68′, 70′ are configured to allowthe speakers 14A′, 16A′, respectively, to pivot toward and away from anear of a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3H, the supports 68′, 70′are connected to the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively, so as to bepivotable about a pivot axis P. As such, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ can bepivoted or swung about the pivot axis P.

The range of motion provided by the connection between the supports 68′,70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′ is identified by the angle S in FIG. 3H.In FIG. 3H, the speaker 14A′ is illustrated in an intermediate positionin the range of motion provided by the connection between the support68′ and the ear stem 54′.

The illustration of the speaker 16A′ includes a solid linerepresentation showing a maximum outward position of the speaker 16A′(not to actual scale). Additionally, FIG. 3H includes a phantomillustration of the speaker 16A′ in a maximum inward position. The angleS illustrates a range of motion between a maximum outward position(solid line) and a maximum inward position (phantom line) of the speaker16A′.

Preferably, the range of motion S is sufficiently large to allow anyhuman wearer of the audio device 10A′ to position the speakers 14A′,16A′ such that sound emitted from the speakers 14A′, 16A′ is clearlyaudible yet comfortable for the wearer of the audio device 10A′. Forexample, human ears vary in the precise shape and size of the externalanatomy. As such, one wearer of the audio device 10A′ may have outerfacing features of their ear that project further than another wearer ofthe audio device 10A′. Thus, one wearer may prefer the speakers 14A′,16A′ to be positioned more inwardly than another wearer.

Further, some wearers of the audio device 10A′ may prefer to press thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ into contact with the outer surfaces of their ears.For example, some users may desire to experience to loudest possiblevolume or the best possible signal to ambient noise ratio from thespeakers 14A′, 16A′. Thus, by pressing the speakers 14A′, 16A′ againsttheir ears, the perceived volume of the sound emitted from the speakers14A′, 16A′ and the signal to external noise ratio will be the greatest.

Alternatively, other users may prefer to have the speakers spaced fromthe outer surfaces of their ear so as to prevent contact with the ear,yet maintain a close spacing to preserve the perceived volume of thesound emitted from the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Additionally, a user mayoccasionally wish to move the speakers 14A′, 16A′ further away fromtheir ears, to allow the wearer to better hear other ambient sounds whenthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ are not operating.

For example, a wearer of the audio device 10A′ might wish to use acellular phone while wearing the audio device 10A′. Thus, the wearer canpivot one of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ to a maximum outward position(e.g., the solid line illustration of speaker 16A′ in FIG. 3H) to allowa speaker of the cell phone to be inserted in the space between thespeaker 16A′ and the ear of the wearer. As such, the wearer can continueto wear the audio device 10A′ and use another audio device, such as acell phone. This provides a further advantage in that, because the audiodevice 10A′ is in the form of eyeglasses 12A′, which may includeprescription lenses or tinted lenses, the wearer of the audio device10A′ can continue to receive the benefits of such tinted or prescriptionlenses, as well as audio signal from the other speaker while using theother audio device.

Any of the audio devices disclosed herein may additionally be providedwith a pause, mute, or on/off switch which is activated by the positionof the speakers 14A, 16A. If the wearer laterally advances one of thespeakers from a first position adjacent the ear to a second position,spaced apart from the ear such as to permit the use of a cell phone, thesignal to both speakers can be automatically stopped such as to permituse of the cell phone without audio interference. Advancing the speakerfrom the second position back to the first position thereafterautomatically resumes delivery of signal to the speakers 14A, 16A.

An additional advantage is provided where the pivotal movement of thesupports 68′, 70′ is isolated from the translational movement thereof.For example, the connection between the supports 68′, 70′ and the earstems 54′, 56′ can be configured so as to allow a user to pivot thesupports 68′, 70′ without substantially translating the supports 68′,70′ forwardly or rearwardly. In one embodiment, the connections can beconfigured to provide more perceived frictional resistance againsttranslational movement than the frictional resistance against pivotalmovement about the pivot axis P (FIG. 3H). Thus, a user can easily pivotthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ toward and away from their ears withouttranslating the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Thus, the procedure for moving thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ toward and away from a wearer's ears can beperformed more easily and, advantageously, with one hand.

The range of motion S is generally no greater than about 180°, and oftenless than about 90°. In one preferred embodiment, the range of motion Sis no more than about 30° or 40°. The connection between the support68′, 70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively, is generallyconfigured to provide a sufficient holding force for maintaining arotational orientation of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ about the pivot axisP. For example, the connection between the supports 68′, 70′ and the earstems 54′, 56′, respectively, can be configured to generate sufficientfriction to resist the forces generated by normal movements of awearer's head.

A further advantage is achieved where sufficient friction is generatedto prevent the pivotal movement of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ when theaudio device 10A′ is removed from the wearer and placed on a surfacesuch that the speakers 14A′, 16A′ support at least some of the weight ofthe audio device 10A′. For example, when a wearer of the audio device10A′ removes the audio device 10A′ and places it on a table with thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ facing downwardly, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ wouldsupport at least some of the weight of the audio device 10A′. Thus, byproviding sufficient friction in the connection between the supports68′, 70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively, the position of thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ can be maintained. Thus, when the wearer replacesthe audio device 10A′, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ will be in the sameposition, thereby avoiding the need for the wearer to repositionspeakers 14A′, 16A′.

As noted above, an aspect of one of the inventions disclosed hereinincludes the realization that where an electronic device that is worn inthe same manner as a pair of eyeglasses includes a user operable switchfor controlling a function of the electronics, the comfort of the wearerof the audio device can be enhanced where the switches are operablewithout transferring a substantial load to the head of the wearer. Forexample, where the electronic device includes buttons for controlling anaspect of the device, a further advantage is provided where a supportsurface is provided opposite the button such that a user can apply abalancing force to the actuation force applied to the button, therebypreventing a substantial force from being transferred to the head of thewearer.

With reference to FIG. 3I, the audio device 10A′ can include at leastone button 73 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio device 10A′includes five buttons; a first button 73 a and a second button 73 bmounted to the left ear stem 54′, and a third button 73 c, a fourthbutton 73 d, and a fifth button 73 e mounted to the right ear stem 56′.Of course, this is one preferred embodiment of the arrangement of thebuttons 73 a, 73 b, 73 c, 73 d, 73 e. Other numbers of buttons and otherarrangements of buttons are also applicable.

As shown in FIG. 3H, the button 73 a is mounted on an upwardly facingsurface of the ear stem 54′. Additionally, the ear stem 54′ has a lowersurface that faces in a generally opposite direction to the directiontowards which the upper surface of the ear stem 54′ faces. Thus, asshown in FIG. 3H, the user can use a finger 71 to actuate the button 73a and a thumb 69 to counteract the actuation force of the finger 71 bypressing on the lower surface of the ear stem 54′. As such, the weareror user of the audio device 10A′ can actuate the button 73 a withoutimparting a substantial load to the wearer of the audio device 10A′.

This provides a further advantage in that a repeated application of aforce against the audio device 10A′ that is transferred to the head ofthe wearer of the audio device 10A′ is avoided. For example, where theaudio 10A′ is in the form of eyeglasses 12A′, a wearer of the eyeglasses12A′ can be subjected to irritations if the wearer repeatedly pressesthe eyeglasses 12A′ to actuate a switch. Further, such repeated loadscan cause headaches. Thus, by configuring the ear stems 54A′ such thatthe button 73 a can be depressed without transferring a substantial loadto the wearer of the ear glasses 12A′, such irritations and headachescan be avoided.

Further, by disposing the button 73 a on an upper portion of the earstems 54A′, and by providing the ear stems 54A′ with an opposite lowersurface that faces an opposite direction relative to the upper surface,a wearer can grasp the ear stems 54A′ from the side, as illustrated inFIG. 38, thereby allowing the user to counteract the actuation forcerequired to actuate the button 73 a without having to insert a fingerbetween a side of the wearer's head and ear stems 54A′. In any of theembodiments herein, the surface which opposes the buttons may beprovided with any of a variety of tactile feedback structures, such asridges or bumps, that have a predetermined alignment with respect to thebuttons. This can assist the user in positioning their thumb in theidentical position each time, so that the user, after a learning period,can rapidly reach for the controls, position their hand and identifywith which button their fingers are aligned. See, for example, thetactile indicium illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 3J illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of theaudio device 10A′. As shown in FIG. 3J, the left side ear stem 54A′defines an electronic housing portion 250 which defines an internalcavity 252 configured to receive electronic components. The electronicshousing 250 includes an upper surface 254 and lower surface 260. Theupper surface 254 extends generally outwardly from the ear stems 54A′and around the internal cavity 252. The upper surface also includesapertures 256, 258 through which buttons 73 a, 73 b, respectively,extend.

The housing 250 includes a lower surface 260. The lower surface 260(which may contain ridges, apertures or slots) faces in an oppositedirection from the upper surface 254 of the housing 250. Preferably, thelower surface 260 is at least about 0.25 inches, and may be 0.5 inchesor 0.75 inches or more wide. As such, the lower surface 260 provides asurface which allows a wearer to easily grasp the ear stem 54A′ so as tobalance an actuation force supplied to the button 73 a, 73 b.

A cover member 262 cooperates with the housing 250 to define the closedinternal cavity 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity252 includes at least one compartment configured to receive anelectronic circuit board 264 which includes at least one switch for eachof the buttons 73 a, 73 b. In an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment,the board 264 can include two switches, one for each of the buttons 73a, 73 b, which are configured to control a volume output from thespeakers 14A′, 16A′. The cover 262 can be attached to the ear stem 54A′with any type of fastener, such as, for example, but without limitation,screws, rivets, bolts, adhesive, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 250 also defines a hingerecess 266. Additionally, the cover member 262 includes a complimentaryhinge recess 268. The recesses 266, 268 are sized to receive a hinge pin270. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge pin 270 is hollow andincludes an aperture therethrough. The ends of the hinge pin 270 areconfigured to be engaged with corresponding portions of the frame 42′ soas to anchor the position of the hinge pin 270 relative to the frame42′. When the cover 262 is attached to the housing 250, with the hingepin 270 disposed in the recesses 266, 268, the ear stem 54A′ ispivotally mounted to the frame 42′. The aperture extending through thehinge pin 270 provides a passage through which electrical conduits canpass, described in greater detail below.

The housing 250 also includes a power source recess (not shown). Thepower source recess includes an opening 272 sized to receive a powerstorage device 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the power storagedevice 274 is in the form of an AAAA-sized battery. Of course, the powerstorage device 274 can be in the form of any type or any size of batteryand can have any shape. However, a further advantage is provided where astandard-sized battery such as an AAAA battery is used. For example, asdescribed in greater detail below, this size battery can be convenientlybalanced with other electronic components configured for playback of asound recording.

A door 276 is configured to close the opening 272. In the illustratedembodiment, the door 276 is preferably hingedly connected to a housing250 so as to allow the door to be rotated between an open position and aclosed position. FIGS. 3D-3I illustrate the door 276 in a closedposition.

The right ear stem 56′ includes a housing 280 defining an internalcavity 282 configured to receive at least one electronic component. Thehousing 280 also includes upper and lower surfaces (unnumbered) that canbe configured identically or similarly to the upper and lower surfaces254, 260 of the housing 250. However, in the illustrated embodiment, theupper surface of the housing 280 includes 3 apertures configured toreceive portions of the buttons 73 c, 73 d, 73 e. Thus, a furtherdescription of the housing 280 is not necessary for one of ordinaryskill in the art to make and use the inventions disclosed herein.

The internal cavity 282, in the illustrated embodiment, is configured toreceive electronics such as a printed circuit board 284. In theillustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board 284 includes oneswitch for each of the buttons 73 c, 73 d, and 73 e. Additionally, theprinted circuit board 284 includes an audio file storage and playbackdevice 286.

The device 286 can be configured to store and playback any desired typeof electronic audio and/or video file. In the illustrated embodiment,the device 286 includes a memory, an amplifier, and a processor. Thememory, amplifier, and the processor are configured to operate togetherto function as an audio storage and playback system. For example, theaudio storage and playback system can be configured to store MP3 filesin a memory and to play back the MP3 files through the speakers 14A′,16A′. Suitable electronics for enabling and amplifying MP3 storage andplayback are well known in the art, and may be commercially availablefrom Sigmatel, Inc. or Atmel, Inc. Thus, further description of thehardware and software for operating the device 286 as a storage andplayback device is not necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use the inventions disclosed herein.

Advantageously, the printed circuit board 284 also includes or is inelectrical communication with a data transfer port 288. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing 280 includes an aperture (not shown)disposed in a position similar to the position of the aperture 272 onthe housing 250. In the housing 280, however, the aperture is alignedwith the data transfer port 288. Thus, when the printed circuit board284 is received in the internal cavity 282, the data transfer port 288is aligned with the aperture.

A door 290 is configured to open and close the aperture through whichthe data port 288 is exposed. Preferably, the door 290 is hingedlyengaged to the housing 280, in an identical or similar manner as thedoor 276. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 290 can be pivotedrelative to housing 280, thereby exposing the data transfer port 288. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the data transfer port is configured tooperate according to the universal serial bus (USB) transfer protocol.In one implementation of the invention, the earstem is provided with amini USB port. The mini USB port enables both downloading of digitalmusic from a source into the eyeglass, as well as charging arechargeable battery carried by the eyeglass. Optical data ports mayalternatively be used. As a further alternative, MP3 files may beuploaded from a source using wireless systems, such as BLUETOOTH®protocols, as is discussed below. Further, the device 286 is configuredto receive audio files from another computer, through the data transferport 288 and to store the files into the memory incorporated into thedevice 286.

A cover 292 is configured to close the internal cavity 282. The cover292 can be configured in accordance with the description of the cover262. Similarly to the housing 250 and cover 262, the housing 280 andcover 292 include recesses 294, 296 configured to receive a hinge pin298. The hinge pin 298 can be constructed identically or similarly tothe hinge pin 270. Thus, with the hinge pin 298 engaged with a frame42′, the cover member 292 can be attached to the housing 280 with thehinge pin 298 received within the recesses 294, 296. As such, the earstem 56A′ can be pivoted relative to the frame 42′.

With continued reference to FIG. 3J, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ can beconstructed in a similar manner, as a mirror image of each other. Eachof the speakers 14A′, 16A′, include a housing member 300. Each housingmember 300 includes a transducer housing 302, a support stem 304, and aguide portion 306.

The transducer housing portion 302 includes an internal recess 308(identified in the illustration of speaker 16A′). The transducer recess308 can be sized to receive any type of acoustic transducer. Forexample, but without limitation, the transducer recess 308 can beconfigured to receive a standard acoustic speaker commonly used forheadphones. In a non-limiting embodiment, the speaker transducer (notshown) has an outer diameter of at least about 0.6 inches. However, thisis merely exemplary, and other sizes of transducers can be used.

With reference to the illustration of the speaker 14A′, the support stem304 connects the transducer housing 302 with the guide portion 306. Thesupport stem 304 includes an aperture therethrough (not shown) whichconnects the transducer recess 308 with the guide portion 306.

The guide portion 306 includes an aperture 310 which communicates withthe aperture extending through the support stem 304. Thus, an electricconduit, described in greater detail below, can extend through theaperture 310, through the stem 304, and then to the transducer recess308.

The guide portion 306 also includes a guide aperture 312. The guideaperture 312 is configured to receive a guide pin 314.

The guide pin 314 can be made from any of a variety of materials. In theillustrated embodiment, the guide pin 314 is a rod having an outerdiameter of about 0.0625 of an inch. When assembled, the guide pin 314is disposed within an open recess (not shown) disposed on an undersurface of the housing 250. The aperture 312 is sized so as to slidablyreceive the pin 314. Thus, the guide portion 306 can translate relativeto the pin 314 as well as rotate relative to the pin 314. The size ofthe aperture 312 can be configured to provide a slip fit with sufficientfriction to provide the stable positions noted above with reference toFIGS. 3D-31.

In this embodiment, the guide pin 314 and the aperture 312 provide bothtranslational and pivotal movement. Additionally, the guide pin 314 andthe aperture 312 can be configured to resistance to both translationalmovement and pivotal movement, with the resistance to translationalmovement being greater. For example, the axial length and diameter ofthe aperture 312, controls the maximum contact area between the guidepin 314 and the guide portion 306 and thus affects the frictional forcegenerated therebetween. Thus, the length and diameter of the aperture312 can be adjusted to achieve the desired frictional forces.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 3K, when a translational force X isapplied to the speaker 14A′, a torque T is created, which results inreaction forces Xr urging the guide portion 306 against the guide pin314 at the forward and rearward ends thereof. These reaction forces Xrincrease the frictional resistance against the translational movement ofthe speaker 14A′. However, as shown in FIG. 3L, when a pivot force θ isapplied to the speaker 14A′, such reaction forces are not created, andthe speaker 14A′ can pivot about the guide pin 314 with seemingly lessforce applied as compared to the force X required to move the speaker14A′ in a direction parallel to the guide pin 314.

With reference again to FIG. 3J, the recess on the lower surface of thehousings 250, 280, are sized so as to allow the guide portion 306 toslide in a forward to rearward direction in the range Rt, describedabove with reference to FIG. 3F. Additionally, the open recess on thelower surface of the housings 250, 280 is provided with a width to limitthe range of motion S of the speakers 14A′, 16A′, described above withreference to FIG. 3H.

With reference to FIG. 3E, the frame 42′ includes an interior electricalconduit channel 316 configured to receive an electrical conduit forconnecting the speakers 14′, 16′, the printed circuit boards 264, 284,and the power storage device 274. For example, with reference to FIG.3M, the buttons 73 a, 73 b, are connected to the device 286 throughconduits 73 ai, 73 bi. The storage device 274 is connected to the device286 through a power line 274 i. Additionally, the speaker 14A′ isconnected to the device 286 with an audio output conduit 14Ai′.

As illustrated in FIG. 3M, portions of the conduits 73 ai, 73 bi, 274 iand 14Ai′, extend through the channel 316. In an exemplary embodiment,the conduits 73 ai, 73 bi, 274 i, and 14Ai′, can be in the form of aribbon connector 318 extending through the channel 316. Thus, withreference to FIGS. 3J and 3M, the ribbon connector 318 can extend fromthe housing 280, into the recesses 294, 296, through an aperture (notshown) in the hinge pin 298 to the upper opening within the hinge pin298, then through the channel 316 (FIG. 3E), to an upper opening of thehinge pin 270, out through an aperture (not shown) through a side of ahinge pin 270, through the recesses 266, 268 of the housing 250, andthen to the speaker 14A′, printed circuit board 264, and the powerstorage device 274.

The conduit 14Ai′ can extend to the aperture 310 in the guide portion306, through a central aperture of the support stem 304, and into thetransducer recess 308, as to connect to a transducer disposed therein.Optionally, the portion of the conduit 14Ai′ that extends out of thehousing 250 and into the transducer housing 300 can be formed from aninsulated metal conduit, or any other known conduit. The speaker 16A′can be connected to the printed circuit board 284 in a similar manner.

The buttons 73 c, 73 d, 73 e and the data transfer port 288 areconnected to the device 286 through printed conduits incorporated intothe printed circuit board 284.

As noted above, one aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosedherein includes the realization that a desirable balance can be achievedby disposing a power storage device in one ear stem of an eyeglass andplay-back device into the second ear stem. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS.3J and 3K, the power storage device 274 is disposed in the left ear stem54′ and the storage and play-back device 286 is disposed in the rightear stem 56′.

In the illustrated embodiment, the buttons 73 a and 73 b for controllingthe volume of the sound output from the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Forexample, the button 73 a can be used for increasing volume and thebutton 73 b can be used for decreasing volume. Alternatively, the button73 b can be for increasing volume and the button 73 a can be fordecreasing volume. When a wearer of the audio device 10A′ presses one ofthe buttons 73 a, 73 b, a simple on-off signal can be transmitted to thedevice 286. The device 286 can be configured to interpret the on-offsignals from the buttons 73 a, 73 b as volume control signals and adjustthe volume to the speakers 14A′, 16A′ accordingly.

Optionally, a third command can be generated by pressing both of thebuttons 73 a, 73 b simultaneously. For example, but without limitation,the device 286 can be configured to interpret simultaneous signals fromboth the buttons 73 a, 73 b, as a signal for turning on and off anadditional feature. For example, but without limitation, the additionalfeature can be a bass boost feature which increases the bass of theaudio signal transmitted to the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Of course, otherfunctions can be associated with the buttons 73 a, 73 b.

The buttons 73 c, 73 d, 73 e can be figured to operate switches totransmit control signals to the device 286 similarly to the buttons 73a, 73 b. For example, but without limitation, the button 73 ccorresponds to a power button. For example, the device 286 can beconfigured to recognize a signal from the button 73 c as a power on orpower off request. In this embodiment, when the device 286 is off, and asignal from the button 73 c is received, the device 286 can turn on.Additionally, the device 286, when in an on state, can be configured toturn off when a signal from the button 73 c is received. Optionally, thedevice 286 can be configured to, when in an off or standby state, turnon and begin to play an audio file when a signal from the button 73 c isreceived. Additionally, the device 286 can be configured to pause whenanother signal from the button 73 c is received. In this embodiment, thedevice 286 can be configured to turn off only if the button 73 c is helddown for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the device 286 canbe configured to turn off if the button 73 c is held down for more thantwo seconds or for three seconds or for other periods of time.

The buttons 73 d and 73 e can correspond to forward and reversefunctions. For example, the button 73 d can correspond to a track skipfunction. In an illustrative but non-limiting example, such a track skipfunction can cause the device 286 to skip to a next audio file in thememory of the device 286. Similarly, the button 73 e can correspond to areverse track skip function in which the device 286 skips to theprevious audio file.

Optionally, the buttons 73 d, 73 e can be correlated to fast forward andrewind functions. For example, the device 286 can be configured to fastforward through an audio file, and play the corresponding sounds at afast forward speed, when the button 73 d is held down and to stop andplay the normal speed when the button 73 d is released. Similarly, thedevice 286 can be configured to play an audio file backwards at anelevated speed, when the button 73 e is held down, and to resume normalforward play when the button 73 e is released. This arrangement of thebuttons 73 a, 73 b, 73 c, 73 d, 73 e provides certain advantages notedabove. However, other arrangements of the buttons 73 a, 73 b, 73 c, 73d, 73 e and the corresponding functions thereof can be modified.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, a modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10A′ is illustrated therein and referred to generally by thereference numeral 10A″. The audio device 10A″ can include the samecomponents as the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′ except as noted below.Components of the audio device 10A″ that are similar to correspondingcomponents of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′ are identified with thesame reference numerals, except that a “″” has been added thereto.

The audio device 10A″ is in the form of a eyeglass 12A″ having a frame40A″. The audio device 10A″ also includes at least one microphone 75.Advantageously, the microphone 75 is disposed so as to face toward thewearer.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the eyeglass 12A″on the head 18 of a wearer. The microphone 75 is schematicallyillustrated and includes a transducer unit 76. In the illustratedembodiment, the transducer 76 is disposed within the frame 40A″ and atleast one aperture 77 extends from the transducer unit 76 to the outersurface of the frame 40A″. Alternatively, the transducer can bepositioned so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the frame 40A″.

Advantageously, the aperture 77 is disposed so as to face toward thehead of the user 18. The illustrated aperture 77 faces downward andtoward the head 18 of the wearer. By configuring the aperture to extenddownwardly and toward the head 18, the aperture is disposed as close aspossible to the mouth of the wearer while benefiting from the windprotection provided by positioning the aperture 77 on the portion of theframe 40A′ facing toward the head 18.

Alternatively, the aperture can be positioned so as to extend generallyhorizontally from the transducer 76 to an outer surface of the frame40A″, this configuration being illustrated and identified by the numeral78. By configuring the aperture 78 to extending generally horizontallytoward the head 18, the aperture 78 is better protected from wind.

As another alternative, the aperture can be configured to extendupwardly from the transducer and toward the head 18, this configurationbeing identified by the numeral 79. By configuring the aperture 79 toextend upwardly from the transducer 76 and toward the head 18, theaperture 79 is further protected from wind which can cause noise.However, in this orientation, the aperture 79 is more likely to collectwater that may inadvertently splash onto the aperture 79. Thus, theaperture configuration identified by the numeral 77 provides a furtheradvantage in that water is less likely to enter the aperture 77. Anywater that may enter the aperture 77 will drain therefrom due togravity.

The microphone 75 can be disposed anywhere on the frame 40A′, includingthe orbitals 48A″, 50A″, the bridge 52A″, or the ear stems 54A″, 56A″.Optionally, the microphone 75 can be in the form of a bone conductionmicrophone. As such, the microphone 75 is disposed such that the when auser wears the audio device 10A′, the microphone 75 is in contact withthe user's head 18. For example, but without limitation, the microphonecan be positioned anywhere on the anywhere on the frame 40A′, includingthe orbitals 48A″, 50A″, the bridge 52A″, or the ear stems 54A″, 56A″such that the microphone contacts the user's head. More preferably, themicrophone 75 is positioned such that it contacts a portion of theuser's head 18 near a bone, such that vibrations generated from theuser's voice and traveling through the bone, are conducted to themicrophone. A bone conduction microphone may be built into a nosepad, orinto each nosepad, for direct contact with the wearer. In anotheralternative, the microphone 75 can be configured to be inserted into themeatus 24 (FIG. 2) of the ear canal of the user. Thus, in thismodification, the microphone 75 can be substituted for one of thespeakers 14, 16. Alternatively, an ear-canal type bone conductionmicrophone can be combined with a speaker so as to provide two-waycommunication with the user through a single ear canal.

Further, the audio device 10A″ can include noise cancellationelectronics (not shown) configured to filter wind-generated noise froman audio signal transmitted from the microphone 75.

FIG. 5A illustrates a modification in which the microphone 75 isdisposed on the bridge 52A″. Similarly to the configuration illustratedin FIG. 4B, the bridge 52A″ can include an aperture 77 which extendsdownwardly and toward the nose 19 of the wearer, horizontally extendingaperture 78, or an upwardly extending aperture 79.

Alternatively, the microphone 75 can include a forwardly facingaperture, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, and a wind sock 81 disposed overthe aperture. The wind sock 81 can be made in any known manner. Forexample, the wind sock 81 can be made from a shaped piece of expandedfoam. Configuring the bridge portion 52A′ as such is particularlyadvantageous because the bridge portion of an eyeglass is typicallysomewhat bulbous. A wind sock can be shaped complementarily to thebridge portion 52A′. Thus, the sock 81 can be made so as to appear to bepart of a normal bridge portion of an eyeglass.

The audio device 10A″ can include electrical conduits extending throughthe frame 40A″ to an audio output jack (not shown). The audio outputjack can be disposed at the end of the ear stems 54A″, 56A″, or anywhereelse on the frame 40A″. Thus, a user can wear the audio device 10A′ anduse the microphone 75 in order to transform the voice of the wearer orother sounds into an electrical signal. The electrical signal can betransmitted to another audio device, such as a palm top computer, alaptop computer, a digital or analog audio recorder, a cell phone, andthe like. Additionally, the audio device 10A″ can include speakers, suchas the speakers 14A″, 16A″ illustrated in FIG. 3A. As such, the audiodevice 10A″ can be configured to provide two-way audio for the wearer,e.g., audio input being transmitted to the user through the speakers14A″, 16A″, and audio output being transmitted from the wearer, throughthe microphone 75, and out through the audio output jack. As such, auser can use the audio device 10A″ for two-way audio communication in acomfortable manner.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10A′, 1A″ is illustrated therein and referred to generally by thereference numeral 10B. Components of the audio device 10B correspondingto components of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′, 1A″ are identifiedwith the same reference numerals, except that letter “C” has been addedthereto.

The audio device 10B is in the form of an eyeglass 80. The eyeglass 80includes a frame 82. The frame 82 includes left and right orbitals 84,86. Each of the orbitals 84, 86 support a lens 88, 90. The frame 82 alsoincludes a bridge portion 92. Similarly to the bridge portion 52 of theaudio device 10A, the bridge portion 92 connects the orbitals 84, 86.Additionally, the bridge portion 92 defines an open space 94 configuredto receive the nose 19 of a wearer. The inner sides of the orbitals 84,86 and/or the bridge portion 92 is configured to support the frames 82on the nose of a user.

The eyeglass 80 also includes support stems 96, 98 extending from theupper portions of the orbitals 84, 86 toward a posterior of a wearer'shead. In the illustrated embodiment, the stems 96, 98 extend along anupper surface of the wearer's head. Thus, the stems 96, 98, along withthe bridge portion 92, support the eyeglass 80 on the wearer's head 18.The support members 28B, 30B are comprised of support arms 100, 102.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the support arms 100, 102 extenddownwardly from the stems 96, 98, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, the support arms 100, 102 extend in an “L” shape. Inparticular, the support arm 100 extends from the stem 96 to a point justforward (anterior) from the tragus of the user's ear 20. From thispoint, the support arm 100 extends rearwardly so as to support thespeaker 14B at a position juxtaposed and spaced from the ear 20.Preferably, the speaker 14B is maintained in a position from about 2 mmto 3 cm from the tragus of the ear 20. Similarly to the audio device10A, the audio device 10B can include an audio input through a wiredarrangement or through a wireless transceiver.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, another modification of the audiodevice 10 is illustrated therein and referred to generally by thereference numeral 10C. Similar components of the audio device 10C havebeen given the same reference numerals, except that that a “C” has beenadded thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the audio device 10C can be worn on the head18 of a user U. Preferably, the audio device 10C is configured toprovide one or two-way wireless communication with a source device, orthe source device can be incorporated into the audio device 10C. Thesource device can be carried by the user U, mounted to a moveableobject, stationary, or part of a local area or personal area network.

The user U can carry a “body borne” source device B such as, forexample, but without limitation, a cellular phone, an MP3 player, a“two-way” radio, a palmtop computer, or a laptop computer. As such, theuser U can use the audio device 10C to receive and listen to audiosignals from the source device B, and/or transmit audio signals to thesource device B. Optionally, the audio device 10C can also be configuredto transmit and receive data signals to and from the source device B,described in greater detail below.

Optionally, the device B can also be configured to communicate, via longor short range wireless networking protocols, with a remote source R.The remote source R can be, for example, but without limitation, acellular phone service provider, a satellite radio provider, or awireless internet service provider. For example, but without limitation,the source device B can be configured to communicate with other wirelessdata networks such as via, for example, but without limitation,long-range packet-switched network protocols including PCS, GSM, andGPRS. As such, the audio device 10C can be used as an audio interfacefor the source device B. For example, but without limitation, where thesource device B is a cellular phone, the user U can listen to the audiooutput of the cellular phone, such as the voice of a caller, throughsound transducers in the audio device 10C. Optionally, the user U cansend voice signals or commands to the cellular phone by speaking into amicrophone on the audio device 10C, described in greater detail below.Thus, the audio device 10C may advantageously be a receiver and/or atransmitter for telecommunications.

In general, the component configuration of FIG. 8 enables the audiodevice 10C to carry interface electronics with the user, such as audiooutput and audio input. However, the source electronics such as the MP3player, cellular phone, computer or the like may be off board, orlocated remotely from the audio device 10C. This enables the audiodevice 10C to accomplish complex electronic functions, while retaining asleek, low weight configuration. Thus, the audio device 10C is incommunication with the off board source electronics device B. The offboard source device B may be located anywhere within the working rangeof the audio device 10C. In many applications, the source electronics Bwill be carried by the wearer, such as on a belt clip, pocket, purse,backpack, shoe, integrated with “smart” clothing, or the like. Thisaccomplishes the function of off loading the bulk and weight of thesource electronics from the headset.

The source electronics B may also be located within a short range of thewearer, such as within the room or same building. For example, personnelin an office building or factory may remain in contact with each, andwith the cellular telephone system, internet or the like by positioningtransmitter/receiver antenna for the off board electronics B throughoutthe hallways or rooms of the building. In shorter range, or personalapplications, the out board electronics B may be the form of a desktopunit, or other device adapted for positioning within relatively short(e.g. no greater than about 10 feet, no greater than about 20 feet, nogreater than about 50 feet, no greater than 100 feet) of the user duringthe normal use activities.

In all of the foregoing constructions of the invention, the off boardelectronics B may communicate remotely with the remote source R. SourceR may be the cellular telephone network, or other remote source. In thismanner, the driver electronics may be off loaded from the headset, toreduce bulk, weight and power consumption characteristics. The headsetmay nonetheless communicate with a remote source R, by relaying thesignal through the off board electronics B with or without modification.

Optionally, the audio device 10C can be configured to provide one ortwo-way communication with a stationary source device S. The stationarysource device can be, for example, but without limitation, a cellularphone mounted in an automobile, a computer, or a local area network.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the audio device 10C preferablycomprises a wearable wireless audio interface device which includes asupport 12C supported on the head 18 of a user by the support 26C andincludes an interface device 110. The interface device 110 includes apower source 112, a transceiver 114, an interface 116, and an antenna118.

The power source 112 can be in the form of disposable or rechargeablebatteries. Optionally, the power source 112 can be in the form of solarpanels and a power regulator.

The transceiver 114 can be in the form of a digital wireless transceiverfor one-way or two-way communication. For example, the transceiver 114can be a transceiver used in known wireless networking devices thatoperate under the standards of 802.11a, 802.11b, or preferably, thestandard that has become known as BLUETOOTH™. As illustrated inBLUETOOTH™-related publications discussed below, the BLUETOOTH™ standardadvantageously provides low-cost, low-power, and wireless links using ashort-range, radio-based technology. Systems that employ the BLUETOOTH™standard and similar systems advantageously allow creation of ashort-range, wireless “personal area network” by using small radiotransmitters. Consequently, with BLUETOOTH™-enabled systems and similarsystems, components within these systems may communicate wirelessly viaa personal area network. Personal area networks advantageously mayinclude voice/data, may include voice over data, may include digital andanalogue communication, and may provide wireless connectivity to sourceelectronics. Personal area networks may advantageously have a range ofabout 30 feet; however, longer or shorter ranges are possible. Theantenna 118 can be in the form of an onboard antenna integral with thetransceiver 114 or an antenna external to the transceiver 114. Inanother implementation, the transceiver 114 can support data speeds ofup to 721 kilo-bits per second as well as three voice channels.

In one implementation, the transceiver 114 can operate at least twopower levels: a lower power level that covers a range of about ten yardsand a higher power level. The higher level covers a range of about onehundred yards, can function even in very noisy radio environments, andcan be audible under severe conditions. The transceiver 114 canadvantageously limit its output with reference to system requirements.For example, without limitation, if the source electronics B is only ashort distance from audio device 10C, the transceiver 114 modifies itssignal to be suitable for the distance. In another implementation, thetransceiver 114 can switch to a low-power mode when traffic volumebecomes low or stops.

The interface 116 can be configured to receive signals from thetransceiver 114 that are in the form of digital or analog audio signals.The interface 116 can then send the audio signals to the speakers 14C,16C through speaker lines 120, 122, respectively, discussed in greaterdetail below.

Optionally, the audio device 10C can include a microphone 124.Preferably, the support 12C is configured to support the microphone 124in the vicinity of a mouth 126 of a user. As such, the support 12Cincludes a support member 128 supporting the microphone 124 in thevicinity of the mouth 126.

The microphone 124 is connected to the interface 116 through amicrophone line 130. Thus, the transceiver 114 can receive audio signalsfrom the microphone 124 through the interface 116. As such, the audiodevice 10C can wirelessly interact with an interactive audio device,such as a cellular phone, cordless phone, or a computer which respondsto voice commands. The microphone 124 can also be in any of the formsdiscussed above with reference to the microphone 75.

As noted above with reference to the audio device 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2,by configuring the support 12C to support the speakers 14C, 16C in aposition juxtaposed and spaced from the ears 20, 22 of the head 18, theaudio device 10C provides enhanced comfort for a user.

With reference to FIGS. 10-12, a modification of the audio device 10C isillustrated therein and identified generally by the reference numeral10D. The components of the audio device 10D which are the same as thecomponents in the audio devices 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C are identifiedwith the same reference numerals, except that a letter “D” has beenadded.

In the audio device 10D, the microphone 124D can be disposed in theframe 42D. In particular, the microphone 124D can be disposed in thebridge portion 52D. Alternatively, the microphone 124D can be disposedalong a lower edge of the right orbital 50D, this position beingidentified by the reference numeral 124D′. Further, the microphone couldbe positioned in a lower edge of the left orbital 48D, this positionbeing identified by the reference numeral 124D″. Optionally, twomicrophones can be disposed on the frame 42D at both the positions 124D′and 124D″. Similarly to the microphone 75, the microphones 124D′, 124D″preferably are positioned so as to face toward the user. Thus, themicrophones 124D′, 124D″ can be protected from wind and noise. Themicrophones 124D, 124D′, 124D″ can also be constructed in accordancewith any of the forms of the microphone 75 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B.

With reference to FIG. 12, the interface device 110D can be disposed inone of the ear stems 54D, 56D. Optionally, the components of theinterface device 110D can be divided with some of the components beingin the ear stem 54D and the remaining components in the ear stem 56D,these components being identified by the reference numeral 110D′.Preferably, the components are distributed between the ear stems 54D,56D so as to provide balance to the device 10D. This is particularlyadvantageous because imbalanced headwear can cause muscle pain and/orheadaches. Thus, by distributing components of the interface device 110Dbetween the ear stems 54D, 56D, the device 10D can be better balanced.

In one arrangement, the transceiver 114, interface 116, and the antenna118 can be disposed in the left ear stem 54D with the battery 112 beingdisposed in the right ear stem 56D. This arrangement is advantageousbecause there are numerous standard battery sizes widely available.Thus, the devices within the ear stem 54D can be balanced with theappropriate number and size of commercially available batteries disposedin the ear stem 56D.

In another arrangement, the lenses 44D, 46D can include an electronicvariable light attenuation feature, such as, for example, but withoutlimitation, a dichroic dye guest-host device. Additionally, another useroperable switch (not shown) can be disposed in the ear stem 56D. Such auser operable switch can be used to control the orientation, and thusthe light attenuation provided by, the dichroic dye.

Optionally, a further power source (not shown) for the dichroic dyeguest-host device can also be disposed in the ear stem 56D. For example,the rear portion 162 of ear stem 56D can comprise a removable battery.Such a battery can provide a power source for controlling theorientation of the dichroic dye in the lenses 44D, 46D. In thismodification, the additional user operable switch disposed in the earstem 56D can be used to control the power from the battery supplied tothe lenses 44D, 46D.

The appropriate length for the antenna 118D is determined by the workingfrequency range of the transceiver 114. Typically, an antenna can beapproximately 0.25 of the wave length of the signal being transmittedand/or received. In one illustrative non-limiting embodiment, such as inthe BLUETOOTH™ standard, the frequency range is from about 2.0 gigahertzto 2.43 gigahertz. For such a frequency range, an antenna can be madewith a length of approximately 0.25 of the wavelength. Thus, for thisfrequency range, the antenna can be approximately 1 inch long.

With reference to FIG. 12, the antenna can be formed at a terminal endof one of the ear stems 54D, 56D. In the illustrated embodiment, theantenna 118D is disposed at the terminal end of the left ear stem 54D.

In this embodiment, approximately the last inch of the ear stem 54D isused for the antenna 118D. The antenna 118D can be made of anyappropriate metal. The antenna can be connected to the transceiver 114with a direct electrical connection, an inductive connection, or acapacitive connection.

With reference to FIG. 13, an inductive type connection is illustratedtherein. As shown in FIG. 13, the antenna 118D comprises an innerconductive rod 140 and a coil 142 wrapped helically around the rod 140.The coil 142 is connected to the transceiver 114 in a known manner.

The ear stems 54D, 56D can be made from a conductive metal material.Where metal is used, near the terminal end of the ear stem 54D, themetal material is reduced relative to the outer surface of the stem 54D.The coil member is wrapped around the rod 140 and an insulative material144 is disposed over the coil 142 so as to be substantially flush withthe remainder of the ear stem 54D. Thus, the smooth outer appearance ofthe ear stem 54D is maintained, without comprising the efficiency of theantenna 1118D.

With reference to FIG. 14, a modification of the antenna 118D isillustrated therein and identified by the reference numeral 118D′.Components of the antenna 118D′ which were the same as the antenna 118Dillustrated in FIG. 13, have been given the same reference numeral,except that a “′” has been added.

The antenna 118D′ and the stem 54D includes a thin outer layer 146 of ametal material. As known in the antenna arts, it is possible to disposea thin layer of metal over an antenna without destroying the antenna'sability to transmit and receive signals. This design is advantageousbecause if the device 10D is constructed of a metal material, includingmetal such as, for example, without limitation, sintered titanium ormagnesium, the thin outer layer 146 can be formed of this material sothat the appearance of the device 10D is uniform.

Where the stem 54D is made from a metal material, the antennas 118D,118D′ illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 provide an additional advantage inthat electrons in the ear stem 54D can be excited by the signal appliedto the coil 142. Thus, the ear stem 54D itself becomes part of theantenna 118D, 118D′, and thus can provide better range and/or efficiencyfor the transmission and reception of signals. Furthermore, if the earstem 54D is electrically coupled to the frame 42D, the frame 42D wouldalso become excited in phase with the excitations of the antenna 118D,118D′. Thus, the ear stem 54D and the frame 42D would effectively becomepart of the antenna, thereby allowing transmission and reception fromtwo sides of the head of the user.

Optionally, the ear stem 56D could also be electrically coupled to theframe 42D. Thus, the stem 56D would also become part of the antenna118D, 118D′, thereby allowing transmission and reception of signals onthree sides of the user's head. Thus, where at least a portion of aframe of an eyeglass is used as the antenna for the wireless transceiver114, the audio device benefits from enhanced antenna efficiency.

Optionally, the antenna 118D, 118D′ can be isolated from the remainderof the stem 54D via an insulator 146, thereby preventing interferencebetween the antenna and other devices on the audio device 10D. As such,the remainder of the device 10D can be made from any material, such as,for example, but without limitation, a polymer.

Preferably, the audio device 10D includes a user interface device 150configured to transmit user input signals to the interface 116 and/orthe transceiver 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interfacedevice 150 is in the form of a 3-way button. The 3-way button 152 isconfigured to have three modes of operation. Firstly, the button 152 ismounted to pivot about a rocker axis 154. Thus, in one mode ofoperation, the button 152 can be depressed inwardly on a forward end 156of the button 152, thereby causing the button 152 to pivot or “rock”about the pivot axis 154. Additionally, the button 152 can be pressed ata rearward end 158, thereby causing the button 152 to pivot about thepivot axis 154 in the opposite direction. Additionally, the button 152can be mounted so as to be translatable in the medial-lateral direction,identified by the reference numeral 160 (FIG. 11). Appropriate springscan be provided beneath the button 152 to bias the button in an outwardprotruding and balanced position. Appropriate contacts can be mountedbeneath the button 152 so as to be activated individually according tothe modes of operation.

In one illustrative and non-limiting embodiment, the button 152 can beused to control volume. For example, by pressing on the forward portion156, a contact can be made causing the transceiver 114 or the interface116 to increase the volume of the speakers 14D, 16D. Additionally, bypressing on the rearward portion 158 of the button 152, the transceiver114 or interface 116 could lower the volume of the speakers 14D, 16D.

In a further illustrative and non-limiting example, the medial-lateralmovement of the button 152, along the directions identified by the arrow160, can be used to choose different functions performed by thetransceiver 114 or the interface 116. For example, an inward movement ofthe button 152 could be used to answer an incoming phone call where theaudio device 10D is used as an audio interface for a cellular phone.

Optionally, the power source 112 can comprise portions of the ear stems54D, 56D which have been formed into batteries. For example, the rearportions 160, 162 of the ear stems 54D, 56D, respectively, can be in theform of custom made batteries, either disposable or rechargeable.Preferably, the rear portions 160, 162 are removable from the forwardportions of the ear stems 54D, 56D. This provides a particular advantagein terms of balance. As noted above, imbalanced loads on the head cancause muscular pain and/or headaches. In particular, excessive pressureon the nose can cause severe headaches. Additionally, batteries can havea significantly higher mass density than plastic and lightweight metals,such as sintered titanium or magnesium. Thus, by constructing therearward portions 160, 162 of the ear stems 54D, 56D of batteries, theweight of these batteries can improve forward-rearward balance of theaudio device 10D in that the weight of the interface device 110 can beoffset by the batteries. In another embodiment, the ear stems 54D, 56Dcan define a housing for removable batteries.

The audio device 10D can also include power contacts 164 for rechargingany rechargeable batteries connected thereto. For example, the powercontacts 164 can be disposed on a lower edge of the orbitals 48D, 50D.Thus, with an appropriate recharging cradle (not shown), the audiodevice 10D can be laid on the cradle, thereby making contact between thepower contacts 164 and corresponding contacts in the cradle (not shown).Alternatively, power contacts can be provided in numerous otherlocations as desired. For example, the power contacts 164 can bedisposed at the ends of the ear stems 54D, 56D. A corresponding cradlecan include two vertically oriented holes into which the ear stems areinserted for recharging. In this configuration, the lens within theorbitals 48D, 50D would face directly upwardly.

In another alternative, the power contacts 164 are disposed on the upperedges of the orbitals 48D, 50D. In this configuration, the audio device10D is laid in a cradle in an inverted position, such that the contacts164 make electrical contact with corresponding contacts in the cradle.This position is advantageous because it prevents weight from beingapplied to the supports 28D, 30D. This prevents misalignment of thespeakers 14D, 16D.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, in another embodiment, the audiodevice 10C is advantageously adapted to support any of a variety ofportable electronic circuitry or devices which have previously beendifficult to incorporate into conventional headsets due to bulk, weightor other considerations. For example, but without limitation, theelectronics are digital or other storage devices and retrieval circuitrysuch as for retrieving music or other information from MP3 format memoryor other memory devices. The audio device 10C can carry any of a varietyof receivers and/or transmitters, such as transceiver 114. For example,but without limitation, the audio device 10C can carry receivers and/ortransmitters for music or for global positioning. In another example,the audio device 10C can carry receivers and/or transmitters fortelecommunications (e.g., telecommunications devices). As used herein,the term “telecommunications devices” is intended to include telephonecomponents as well as devices for communicating with a telephone. Forexample, “telecommunications devices” can include one or moretransceivers for transmitting an audio signal to a cellular phone to betransmitted by the cellular phone as the speaker's voice, and/or forreceiving an audio signal from a cellular phone representing a caller'svoice. Of course, other audio, video, or data signals can be transmittedbetween the audio device 10 C and such a cellular phone through suchtransceivers.

In other embodiments, drivers and other electronics for driving heads-updisplays, such as liquid crystal displays or other miniature displaytechnology can also be carried by the audio device 10C. The power source112 can be carried by the audio device 10C. For example, withoutlimitation, the power source 112 can advantageously be replaceable orrechargeable. Other electronics or mechanical components canadditionally be carried by the audio device 10C. In other embodiments,the audio device 10C can also be utilized solely to support any of theforegoing or other electronics components or systems, without alsosupporting one or more lenses in the wearer's field of view. Thus, inany of the embodiments of the audio devices disclosed herein, the lensesand/or lens orbitals can be omitted as will be apparent to those ofskill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

In another embodiment, a further modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D is provided wherein the audio devices include atleast two banks of microphones, with one bank acting as a speaker ofreceived and one bank providing an ambient noise-cancellation function.The microphone banks can be positioned at any suitable location orcombination of locations (e.g., on the audio device, within the audiodevice, opposing sides of the audio device, or the like). In oneembodiment, automatic switching of the speaking-microphone andnoise-canceling-microphone banks' functions advantageously enhances easeof use. In a further embodiment, the microphone banks can be arranged inan array to be used in conjunction with algorithms to discern, reduce,and/or eliminate noise for the purpose of voice recognition. Forexample, in one embodiment, such microphone banks can include ASIC-basednoise-canceling technology, such as is available in chips from AndreaElectronics Corporation (AEC), to enable voice recognition in ambientnoise up to about 130 Db or more. In another embodiment, microphonebanks can be arranged in any suitable combination of linear ornon-linear arrays to be used in conjunction with algorithms to discern,reduce, and/or eliminate noise in any suitable manner. In anotherembodiment, audio/proximity sensors can advantageously trigger theappropriate functionality in a specific bank. In another embodiment, anoise-canceling microphone can be provided in connection with a cord orother microphones described above. For example, without limitation, aseries of miniature microphones can be supported down a cord from theaudio device, separated by desired distances, and aimed in differentdirections. In another implementation, one or more of the microphonescan be for verbal input from the user, and one or more others of themicrophones, or the same microphone, can also be for noise-cancellationpurposes.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, in another embodiment, thetransceiver 114 is adapted to employ a wide variety of technologies,including wireless communication such as RF, IR, ultrasonic, laser oroptical, as well as wired and other communications technologies. In oneembodiment, a body-LAN radio is employed. Other embodiments can employ aflexible-circuit design. Many commercially available devices can be usedas transceiver 114. For example, without limitation, Texas Instruments,National Semiconductor, Motorola manufacture and develop single RFtransceiver chips, which can use, for example, 0.18 micron, 1.8 V powertechnologies and 2.4 GHz transmission capabilities. Of course, a varietyof transceiver specifications are available and usable, depending on theparticular embodiment envisioned. In another implementation, othercommercially available products operating at 900 MHz to 1.9 GHz or morecan be used. Data rates for information transfer to wearable or othertype computing devices will vary with each possible design. In apreferred implementation, a data rate is sufficient for text display. RFproducts, and other products, ultimately will be capable of updating afull-color display and have additional capabilities as well. Thus,heads-up displays, such as liquid crystal displays or other miniaturedisplay technology described above can be employed.

In another embodiment, a further modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D is provided wherein the audio devices can includeand/or communicate with a variety of sensors, including but not limitedto motion, radar, heat, light, smoke, air-quality, oxygen, CO anddistance. Medical monitoring sensors are also contemplated. Sensors canbe directed inwardly toward the user's body, or outwardly away from thebody (e.g., sensing the surrounding environment). Sensors incommunication with the audio devices also can be strategicallypositioned or left behind to facilitate the communication of sensedinformation. For example, a firefighter entering a burning building canposition sensor to communicate the smoke and heat conditions to thatfirefighter and to others at the sensor-drop location. Remote sensorscan also be relatively fixed in position, as in the case of amaintenance worker wearing an audio device that receives various signalsfrom sensors located in machines or other equipment for which the workeris responsible. A blind wearer of audio device can employ a distancesensor to determine distance to surrounding objects, for example, or aGPS unit for direction-finding. Other exemplary sensing capabilities aredisclosed on one or more of the following, all of which are incorporatedby reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,398 to Janik, issued Feb. 9,1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,651 to Janik, issued Feb. 13, 1996; U.S. Pat.No. 5,798,907 to Janik, issued Aug. 25, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,492 toJanik, issued Dec. 3, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,490 to Carroll, issuedSep. 10, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,401 to Carroll, issued Nov. 5,1996.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a further modification of the audiodevices 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, is illustrated therein andidentified generally by the reference numeral 10E. Components that aresimilar or the same as the components of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10B,10C, and 10D, have been given the same reference numerals, except that a“E” has been added thereto.

The audio device 10E includes a microphone boom 180 extending downwardlyfrom the lower end of the support arm 100E. The microphone 124E isdisposed at the lower end of the microphone boom 180.

In the illustrated embodiment, the audio device 10E can include theinterface device 110E at an upper portion of the stem 96E. Inparticular, the interface device 110E can be disposed at the point atwhich the support arm 100E connects to the stem 96E. Optionally, certaincomponents of the interface device 110E can be disposed at a rearportion of the stem 96E, this position being identified by the referencenumeral 110E′.

In this embodiment, the antenna 118E can be disposed in the frame 82E,the stem 96E, the support arm 100E, or the microphone boom 180E.However, as noted above, it is preferable that at least a portion of thesupport 12E is used as the antenna. More preferably, the support 12E ismade from a metal material, such that at least a portion of the support12E is excited by the antenna and thereby forms part of the antenna.

The transceiver 114 can be in the form of a digital wireless transceiverfor one-way or two-way communication. For example, the transceiver 114can be configured to receive a signal from another transmitter andprovide audio output to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16,16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Alternatively, the transceiver 114 can beconfigured to receive an analog audio signal from microphone 75, 124,124D, 124E, convert the signal to a digital signal, and transmit thesignal to another audio device, such as, for example, but withoutlimitation, a cell phone, a palm top computer, a laptop computer or anaudio recording device.

The over-the-head configuration of the audio device 10E advantageouslyallows distribution of the load across a wearer's head, as well aspositioning of relatively bulky or heavy electronics along the length of(e.g., inside) the audio device 10E or at the posterior aspect of theaudio device 10E such as at the occipital end of the audio device 10E.This enables the audio device 10E to carry electronic equipment in astreamlined fashion, out of the wearer's field of view, and in a mannerwhich distributes the weight across the head of the wearer such that theeyewear tends not to shift under the load, and uncomfortable pressure isnot placed upon the wearer's nose, ears or temple regions.

In this embodiment, additional functional attachments may be provided asdesired anywhere along the length of the frame, lenses or orbitals ofthe audio device 10E. For example, earphones may be directed towards thewearer's ear from one or two earphone supports extending rearwardly fromthe front of the eyeglass, down from the top of the audio device 10E orforwardly from the rear of the audio device 10E. Similarly, one or moremicrophones may be directed at the wearer's mouth from one or twomicrophone supports connected to the orbitals or other portion of theaudio device 10E.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a communication protocol between theaudio device S, B and the transceiver 114 is described. In thisembodiment, the transceiver 114 is configured for one-way communication.The transceiver includes a receiver and decoder 202 and adigital-to-audio converter 204.

As noted above with reference to FIG. 8, the audio device S, B can beany one of a number of different audio devices. For example, but withoutlimitation, the audio device S, B can be a personal audio player such asa tape player, a CD player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, and the like.Alternatively, where the transceiver 114 is configured only to transmita signal, the audio device S, B can be, for example, but withoutlimitation, an audio recording device, a palm top computer, a laptopcomputer, a cell phone, and the like.

For purposes of illustration, the audio device S, B will be configuredonly to transmit a signal to the transceiver 114. Thus, in thisembodiment, the audio device S, B includes an MP3 player 206 and anencoder and transmitter 208. An antenna 210 is illustrated schematicallyand is connected to the encoder and transmitter 208. As an illustrativeexample, the MP3 player 206 outputs a signal at 128 kbps (NRZ data).However, other data rates can be used. The encoder and transmitter 208is configured to encode the 128 kbps signal from the MP3 player and totransmit it through the antenna 210. For example, the encoder andtransmitter 208 can be configured to transmit the encoded signal on acarrier signal centered on 49 MHz.

The receiver and decoder 202 can be configured to receive the carriersignal of 49 MHz through the antenna 118, decode the digital signal, andtransmit the digital signal to the digital-to-audio converter 204. Thedigital-to-audio converter 204 can be connected to the speakers 14,16and thereby provide an audio output that is audible to the user.

With reference to FIG. 18, the 128 kbps signal from the MP3 player 206is identified by the reference numeral 212. In one embodiment, theencoder and transmitter 208 can be configured to encode the signal 212from the MP3 player 206. The encoded signal from the encoder andtransmitter 208 is identified by reference numeral 216.

The encoder and transmitter 208 can be configured to encode each pulse214 of the signal 212 into a pattern of pulses, one pattern beingidentified by the reference numeral 218.

In the lower portion of FIG. 18, signal 220 represents an enlargedillustration of the portion of the signal 216 identified by a circle222. As shown in FIG. 18, the pattern 218 is comprised of a series of 50MHz and 48 MHz signals.

With reference to FIG. 19, a more detailed illustration of thetransceiver 114 is illustrated therein. As shown in FIG. 19, thetransceiver includes a preamplifier 230, a band pass filter 232, and anamplifier 234 connected in series. The preamplifier 230 and theamplifier 234 can be of any known type, as known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The band pass filter 232, in the present embodiment,can be constructed as a band pass filter that allows signals having afrequency from 48 MHz to 50 MHz, inclusive, to pass therethrough.Alternatively, the band pass filter 232 can include three band passfilters configured to allow frequencies centered on 48 MHz, 49 MHz, and50 MHz, respectively, pass therethrough.

The transceiver 114 also includes a signal detector 236 and a systemclock circuit 238. The signal detector 236 comprises three signaldetectors, e.g., a 49 MHz detector 240, a 48 MHz detector 242 and a 50MHz detector 244. The 49 MHz detector 240 is connected to a carrierdetector 246. As is schematically illustrated in FIG. 19, when thesignal detector 236 detects a 49 MHz signal, which corresponds to astate in which no audio signal is being transmitted from the MP3 player206, the carrier detector 246 causes the transceiver 114 to enter asleep mode, schematically illustrated by the operation block 248.

As the detectors 242, 244 detect 48 MHz and 50 MHz detectors,respectively, they output signals to a spread spectrum pattern detector250. The spread spectrum pattern detector outputs a corresponding signalto a serial-to-parallel converter 252. The output of theserial-to-parallel converter 252 is output to a digital-to-analogconverter 204. A “class D” audio amplifier (not shown), for example, butwithout limitation, can be connected to the output of thedigital-to-audio converter 204 to thereby supply an audio signal to thespeakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. It isto be noted that the encoding performed by the encoder and transmitter208 can be in accordance with known signal processing techniques, suchas, for example, but without limitation, CDMA, TDMA, FDM, FM, FSK, PSK,BPSK, QPSK, M-ARYPSK, MSK, etc. In this embodiment, the transceiver 114can operate with a single channel.

With reference to FIG. 20, a dual channel transceiver 114 i isschematically illustrated therein. In this modification, the transceiver114 i is configured to simultaneously receive two signals, one signalcentered on 46 MHz, and a second signal centered on 49 MHz. Thus, thetransceiver 114 i includes four band-pass filters. The first filter 253is configured to allow a signal at 45.9 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz topass therethrough. A second filter 254 is configured to allow signals at46.1 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz to pass therethrough. The third filter255 is configured to allow signals at 48.9 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz topass therethrough. A fourth filter 256 is configured to allow signals at49.1 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz to pass therethrough. As such, thetransceiver 114 can receive two simultaneous signals, as noted above,one being centered at 46 MHz and one being centered at 49 MHz. Thus,this modification can be used to receive two audio signalssimultaneously, for example, left and right signals of the stereo audiosignal.

Each of the transceivers 114, 114 i, illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, can beconfigured to receive one pattern 218, a plurality of different signals218 or only one unique pattern 218. Additionally, as known in the art,the transceiver 114 or 114 i and the encoder 208 can include pseudorandom generators which vary the pattern 218 according to apredetermined sequence. Thus, the receiver and decoder 202 can beconfigured to auto synchronize by recognizing a portion of thepredetermined sequence.

In an application where the transceiver 114 operates according to theBLUETOOTH™ standards, the transceiver 114 communicates with thetransmitter according to a spread spectrum protocol so as to establishcommunication in a short range wireless environment with the minimalrisk of interference with other devices. For example, the transceiver114 can communicate with a BLUETOOTH™ enabled MP3 player, or other audiodevice. The audio device 10C can receive the output signal from theBLUETOOTH™ enabled MP3 player, and then output the audio signals to theinterface 116. Optionally, the signal can be a stereo signal. Theinterface 116 can then direct the left and right audio signals to thespeakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16Ethrough the speaker lines 120, 122.

In accordance with the BLUETOOTH™ standard, for example, but withoutlimitation, the transceiver 114 can operate in a half duplex mode inwhich signals are transmitted in only one direction. For example, at anyone moment, the transceiver 114 can only either receive signals anddirect them to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B,16C, 16D, 16E or transmit signals, for example, from the microphone 75,124, 124D, 124E to another device through the antenna 118, 118D, 118D′.Alternatively, the transceiver 114 can be configured to operate in afull duplex mode in which simultaneous of audio signals are received andtransmitted to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B,16C, 16D, 16E and simultaneously audio signals from the microphone 75,124, 124D, 124E are transmitted through the antenna 118, 118D, 118D′ toa cooperating wireless device.

Further, the interface 116 can include a processor and a memory forproviding added functionality. For example, the interface 116 can beconfigured to allow a user to control the cooperating wireless device,such as a cell phone. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, wherethe transceiver 114 is a BLUETOOTH™ device, the interface 116 can beconfigured to support a hands-free protocol, as set forth in theBLUETOOTH™ hands-free protocol published Oct. 22, 2001, the entirecontents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.Optionally, the interface 116 can be configured to comply with otherprotocols such as, for example, but without limitation, general accessprofile, service discovery application profile, cordless telephonyprofile, intercom profile, serial port profile, headset profile, dialupnetworking profile, fax profile, land access profile, generic objectexchange profile, object push profile, file transfer profile, andsynchronization profile, published Oct. 22, 2001, the entire contents ofeach of which being hereby expressly incorporated by reference.Additionally, the “Specification of the Bluetooth System, Core”, version1.1, published Feb. 22, 2001 is hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

The headset profile is designed to be used for interfacing a headsethaving one earphone, a microphone, and a transceiver worn by the wearer,for example, on a belt clip, with a cordless phone through a wirelessconnection. According to the headset profile, certain commands can beissued from a headset, such as the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′, 10B,10C, 10D, and 10E, using an AT command protocol. In such a protocol,text commands must be input to the BLUETOOTH™ device, which theBLUETOOTH™ device then transmits wirelessly to a synchronized BLUETOOTH™enabled device. Such commands include, for example, but withoutlimitation, initiating a call, terminating a call, and redialing apreviously dialed number.

With reference to FIG. 9A, the interface electronics 116 can includeaudio or aural menus that can be selected by user. For example, a usercan initiate an audio menu by depressing the button 150 (FIGS. 10-12).Upon initiation of the audio menus, the interface electronics 116 cansend an audio signal to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16,16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E including a humanoid voice. The voice signal canindicate that a first menu option is available. For example, but withoutlimitation, the first menu choice can be to initiate a call. Thus, whenthe user pushes the button 150 the first time, the user will hear thewords “initiate a call,” emanating from the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C,14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. If the user wishes to initiate acall, the user can depress the button 150 again which will send theappropriate AT command to the transceiver 114 so as to transmit theproper AT code to the cellular phone source device S, B (FIG. 8).

The user can be provided with further convenience if there are othermenu choices available, for example, if the user does not wish to choosethe first menu option, the user can depress either the forward orrearward portions 156, 158 of the button 150 so as to “scroll” throughother audio menu options. For example, other audio menu options caninclude, for example, but without limitation, phonebook, email, clock,voice commands, and other menu options typically available on cellularphones and/or personal audio devices such as MP3 players.

As an illustrative, but non-limiting example, if a user wishes to accessthe phonebook, the user can depress the button 150 to initiate the audiomenu, then “scroll” to the phonebook by depressing the portions 156 or158 until the user hears the word “phonebook” in the speakers 14, 14A,14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Once the user hears theword “phonebook,” the user can depress the button 150 again to enter thephonebook. Thereafter, the user can depress the portions 156, 158 to“scroll” through phonebook entries. As the user scrolls through thephonebook entries, the interface 116 can be configured to cause thecellular phone to scroll through the phonebook and thereby transmit anaudio signal of a humanoid voice indicating entries in the phonebook.When the user hears the name of the person or entity which the userdesires to call, the user can again push the button 150 to initiate acall to that entity.

In this embodiment, the cell phone can be configured with atext-to-voice speech engine which generates a humanoid voicecorresponding to entries of the phonebook. Such speech engines are knownin the art and are not described further herein.

A text-to-speech engine can provide further convenient uses for a user.For example, if the cell phone or other source device is configured toreceive email, the device can be configured to signal the user with anaudio signal that an email has been received. The user can send a signalto the source device so as to open the email. The text-to-speech enginecan be configured to read the email to the user. Thus, a user can“listen” to email through the audio device 10, 10A, 10A′, 10B, 10C, 10D,10E, without manually operating the source device.

A further option is to allow a user to respond to such an email. Forexample, the user could record an audio file, such as, for example, butwithout limitation a .WAV, .MP3 file as an attachment to a reply email.For such a feature, the interface 116 can be configured to automaticallyprovide a user with options at the end of an email that is read to theuser. For example, after the text-to-speech engine finishes “reading”the email to the user, the interface device 116 can enter another audiomenu. Such an audio menu can include a reply option, a forward option,or other options. If a user wishes to reply, the user can “scroll” untilthe user hears the word “reply.” Once the user hears the word “reply”the user can depress the button 150 to enter a reply mode. As notedabove, these types of commands can be issued using an AT commandprotocol, to which the source device will also be configured to respond.As noted above, one audio menu option can include voice command. Forexample, when a user chooses the voice command option, the interfaceelectronic 116 can reconfigure to send an AT command to the sourcedevice, such as a cellular phone, to accept voice commands directly fromthe transceiver 114. Thus, as the user speaks, the audio signal isdirected to the source device, which in turn is configured to issueaudio indicators back to the user, through the speakers 14, 14A, 14B,14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, to guide the user throughsuch a voice command.

For example, if a user chooses a voice command option, the user couldissue commands such as, for example, but without limitation, “phonebook”or “call alpha.” With a source device such as a cellular phone, that hasa speech recognition engine and that is properly trained to recognizethe voice of the user, the user can automatically enter the phonebookmode or directly call the phonebook listing “alpha,” of course, as isapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such a voice commandprotocol could be used to issue other commands as well.

In another alternative, the interface electronics 116 can include aspeech recognition engine and audio menus. In this alternative, theinterface electronics 116 can recognize speech from the user, convertthe speech to AT commands, and control this source device using astandard AT command protocol.

For example, but without limitation, the source device B can be in theform of a palm-top or hand-held computer known as a BLACKBERRY™. Thepresently marketed BLACKBERRY™ devices can communicate with a variety ofwireless networks for receiving email, phone calls, and/or internetbrowsing. One aspect of at least one of the present inventions includesthe realization that such a hand-held computer can include atext-to-speech engine. Thus, such a hand-held computer can be used inconjunction with any of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′, 10B to allow auser to “hear” emails, or other text documents without the need to holdor look at the device B. Preferably, the hand-held computer includes afurther wireless transceiver compatible with at least one of thetransceivers 114, 114 i. As such, a user can use any of the audiodevices 10C, 10D, 10E to “hear” emails, or other text documents withoutthe need to hold or look at the device B. Thus, a presently preferredhand-held computer, as a non-limiting example, includes a BLACKBERRY™hand-held device including long range wireless network hardware foremail and internet browsing capability, a BLUETOOTH™ transceiver fortwo-way short range audio and/or data audio communication, and atext-to-speech engine.

Preferably, the transceiver 114 is configured to transmit signals atabout 100 mW. More preferably, the transceiver 114 is configured totransmit signals at no more than 100 mW. As such, the transceiver 114uses less power. This is particularly advantageous because the powersource 112 can be made smaller and thus lighter while providing apracticable duration of power between charges or replacement of thepower source 112.

An audio network 300 in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 21. Audio network 300 includesa content source 302 coupled to an audio device 304 via communicationslink 306. The content source 302 is any of a variety of informationsources, including, but not limited to, radio stations and/or signals, asatellite radio source, a computer, a network, a storage device, such asa hard drive, a memory card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) drive, anaudio component (e.g. a stereo receiver, a CD player, a tuner, an MP3player, a digital audio player, etc.), a database, and/or acommunications-enabled device, such as a telephone (including aBLUETOOTH enabled telephone), a PDA, a BLACKBERRY, the Internet, or thelike. The content provided by the content source 302 may be any of avariety of information, including but not limited to, audio files,entertainment, news, media, music, photos, videos, advertising, etc.

The audio device 304 may be any of the audio devices described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-19, or may include any of the audio devicesdescribed below. In one embodiment, audio device 304 is electronicallyenabled eyewear, as discussed herein. Audio device 304 is coupled tocontent source 302 via communications link 306. Communications link 306may be any of a variety of information conduits known to those of skillin the art, including: a cable, a wire, a conductor, a bus, an RFsignal, a radio signal, a satellite signal, a BLUETOOTH signal, etc. Inone embodiment, the communications link 306 includes a USB, mini-USB,USB-to-mini-USB, FIREWIRE, IEEE 1394, RS232, SCSI, or any other cable.In one embodiment, the communications link 306 is temporarily attachedto the audio device 304 for the transfer of content from the contentsource 302 to the audio device 304. In another embodiment, thecommunications link 306 is a retractable cable mounted at leastpartially inside of the audio device 304.

In one embodiment, the audio network 300 is configured for thedownloading of music from the content source 302 (e.g. a user'scomputer) to the audio device 304. In another embodiment, the audionetwork 300 is configured for the uploading of content stored within theaudio device 304 to the content source 302.

One embodiment of the audio device 304 is illustrated in FIG. 22. Audiodevice 304 generally includes a data port 308, data interface 310,processor 312, digital-to-analog converter 314, speaker drivers 316, andspeakers 318. In addition, audio device 304 generally also includes acontrol interface 320, user controls 322, display/indicator drivers 324,display/indicators 326, power module 328, and memory module 330;however, any one or more of these components may be combined. Forexample, in one embodiment, data interface 310, control interface 320,display/indicator drivers 324, digital-to-analog converter 314, andspeaker drivers 316 are combined with processor 312 into a singlecomponent.

Data port 308 is any of a variety of ports, connectors, jacks,interfaces, or receivers for wireless or wire-based coupling of audiodevice 304 with communications link 306. For example, in one embodiment,data port 308 is a mini-USB connector. In other embodiments, the dataport 308 may be, by way of example, a USB connector, a FIREWIREconnector, an IEEE 1394 cable connector, an RS232 connector, a JTABconnector, an antenna, a wireless receiver, a radio, an RF receiver, aBLUETOOTH receiver, or the like. Data port 308 generally includes anoptional protective door (not illustrated) to protect the data port 308from dirt, moisture, water, snow, etc., when the audio device 304 isdisconnected from the communications link 306.

In one embodiment, content is loaded from the content source 302 to theaudio device 304 via the data port 308 at a data transfer rate. The datatransfer rate will generally vary depending upon several factors,including the data port 308 selected, the content source 302, and thecommunications link 306. In one embodiment, the data transfer rate isabout 1.5 Mbps (e.g., 10⁶ bits per second). In other embodiments, thedata transfer rate may be, by way of example, at least about 12 Mbps,100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 400 Mbps, 480 Mbps, or the like. In yet anotherembodiment, the data transfer rate is greater than about 100 Mbps, 200Mbps, 400 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps. In another embodiment, the data transferrate is less than about 100 Mbps, or 50 Mbps.

Data interface 310 couples data port 308 with processor 312. In oneembodiment, data interface 310 is a memory buffer for storinginformation or content received via data port 308 until it is processedby processor 312. Processor 312 controls the overall function andoperation of audio device 304, and couples directly or indirectly to thevarious electronic components of the audio device 304, as describedherein. In one embodiment, processor 312 is a digital signal processor(DSP), firmware, microprocessor, microcontroller, field-programmablegate array (FPGA), and/or an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC). Processor 312 may also be upgradeable. For example, in oneembodiment, processor 312 is firmware, and software executable by theprocessor 312 may be changed, uploaded, downloaded, deleted, and/ormodified.

In one embodiment the processor 312 is adapted to function as adigitized audio coder/decoder (CODEC). For example, the processor 312may be a decoder, such as the STA013, STMP34xx, STMP35xx, or STMP13xxmanufactured by SigmaTel. The processor 312 is generally capable ofdecoding variable bit rate, constant bit rate, or any other bit rateformat of compressed digital audio files. In one embodiment, processor312 is a 75 MHz DSP with an 18-bit sigma-delta digital-to-analogconverter.

In other embodiments, processor 312 may process any of a variety ofcompressed and non-compressed digital audio formats, including but notlimited to: Pulse Code Modulation (PCM), Differential Pulse CodeModulation (DPCM), Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM),Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), RAW, Delta Modulation (DM), ResourceInterchange File Format (RIFF), Waveform Audio (WAV), Broadcast WaveFormat (BWF), Audio Interface/Interchange File Format (AIFF), Sun Audio(AU), SND, Compact Disc Audio (CDA), Moving Pictures Experts Group(MPEG), including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-2.5, MPEG-4, MPEG-J, MPEG 2-ACC,and layers 1, 2, and 3 (e.g. MP3), MP3Pro, Audio Compression/Expansion(ACE), Macintosh Audio Compression/Expansion (MACE), including MACE-3and MACE-6, Audio Code Number 3 (AC-3), Adaptive Transform AcousticCoding (ATRAC), ATRAC3, Enhanced Perceptual Audio Coder (EPAC),Transform-Domain Weighted Interleave Vector Quantization (Twin VQ orVQF), Windows Media Audio (WMA), WMA with DRM, Digital Theatre Systems(DTS), DVD Audio, Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD), Transparent AudioCompression (TAC), SHN, OGG (including Ogg Vorbis, Ogg Tarkin, and OggTheora), Advanced Streaming Format (ASF), Liquid Audio (LQT), QDesignMusic Codec (QDMC), A2b, Real Audio (including the .ra, .rm, and RealAudio G2 and RMX formats), Fairplay, Quicktime, Shockwave (SWF), PerfectClarity Audio (PCA), or the like. Processor 312 may also be adapted toprocess not only existing digital audio formats, but also digital audioformats that may be developed in the future.

The processor 312 is generally able to process encoded, digitized audiodata that has been encoded at a particular data encoding rate. Forexample, in one embodiment, the processor 312 decodes encoded audio datathat has been encoded at a data encoding rate of about 8 kilobits persecond (e.g. “kbps”). In other embodiments, processor 312 decodesencoded audio data that has been encoded at a data encoding rate of, byway of example, at least about 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps,or the like. In other embodiments, the processor 312 decodes encodedaudio data that has been encoded at a data encoding rate of less thanabout 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps, or the like. In yetanother embodiment, the processor 312 decodes encoded audio data thathas been encoded at a data encoding rate of more than about 256 kbps.

In another embodiment, the processor 312 decodes encoded data at adecoding rate of about 8 kilobits per second (“kbps”). In otherembodiments, the processor 312 decodes encoded data at a decoding rateof, by way of example, at least about 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256kbps, or the like. In another embodiment, the processor 312 decodesencoded audio data at a decoding rate of less than about 128 kbps. Inyet another embodiment, the processor 312 decodes encoded audio data ata decoding rate of more than about 256 kbps.

The digital-to-analog converter 314 is generally adapted to output ananalog signal based upon an input digital signal. In one embodiment, thedigital-to-analog converter 314 is an 8-bit digital-to-analog converter.In other embodiments, digital-to-analog converter 314 is, by way ofexample, a 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit digital-to-analog converter,or the like, although any number of bits may be used. In one embodiment,the digital-to-analog converter 314 is an 18-bit, sigma-deltadigital-to-analog converter. The digital-to-analog converter 314 may beintegrated with the processor 312, or may be discrete from the processor312.

Speaker drivers 316 are generally amplifiers that amplify an analogsignal received from the digital-to-analog converter 314 and send theamplified signal to the speakers 318. Speakers 318 convert the signalreceived from the speaker drivers 316 to an audible signal that may besensed by the user of the audio device 304. In one embodiment, thespeakers 318 are made from Mylar, but may be made from other materials,including: polypropylene, aluminum-coated polypropylene, aramid,graphite-injected polypropylene, honeycomb-laminate, kapton, kaladex,polybenzoxozole, polycarbonate, polyetherimide, pulp paper, silk, silverfilm, thermalum, urethane, and/or any other material familiar to thoseof skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the speakers 318 have an input impedance of about 16Ohms. In other embodiments the speakers 318 have an input impedance ofno greater than about 2, 4, 8, or 32 Ohms. In one embodiment, the inputimpedance is less than about 16 Ohms, and in another embodiment it isgreater than about 8 Ohms. In another embodiment, the input impedance isno less than about 100, 200, 400 or 600 Ohms. In one embodiment, theinput impedance is about 300 Ohms or about 600 Ohms.

The control interface 320 generally includes a buffer, register,pre-processor, transistor, resistor and/or other electronic circuit toenable the processor 312 to receive commands from a user via the usercontrols 322. In one embodiment, the control interface 320 is integratedwith the processor 312.

In one embodiment, the user controls 322 include a button, dial, switch,lever, sensor, touchpad, microphone, and/or any other input device thatmay be used by a user to control the audio device 304. In oneembodiment, the user controls 322 include a microphone that receives avoice command. The user controls 322 may be responsive to any biometricprovided by a user to control the audio device 304. For example, in oneembodiment, the audio device 304 may monitor eye movement, and controlthe audio device 304 based upon blinking of the user's eyes.

In other embodiments, user controls 322 are used to perform any one or acombination of various functions with respect to an audio data file. Forexample, user controls 322 may be used to fast-forward, skip, cue, play,pause, turn power on or off, rewind, review, adjust volume, balance,tone, bass, or treble, randomize file selection, load a playlist, set aplaylist, delete a playlist, repeat playback of all audio files,selected audio files, or a playlist, or perform any other functionrelated to an audio data file.

The display/indicator drivers 324 are generally amplifiers or otherdrivers known to those of skill in the art, useful for driving oractivating display/indicators 326. In one embodiment, thedisplay/indicator drivers 324 receive signals from the processor 312 andgenerate drive signals to turn on or off display elements of thedisplay/indicators 326. In one embodiment, the display/indicators 326include an LED, LCD, light, tone, sound, beep, vibration, or other suchdisplay or indicator, or other indicators known to those of skill in theart. In one embodiment, the display/indicators 326 indicate a songselection, a power level, a volume, a remaining battery life, an artist,a song title, a time remaining during the playback of an audio file, aduration of an audio file's playback, or any other data related to anaudio data file.

In one embodiment, the audio device 304 also includes a power module328, which provides power to the audio device 304. The power module 328is generally any device adapted to provide power, such as: a battery, acapacitor, a solar cell, solar paint, a fuel cell, and/or any other suchdevice known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the powermodule 328 distributes power to the various components of the audiodevice 304 via a conductor 332, either directly or indirectly. In oneembodiment, the power module 328 is a rechargeable battery, such as alithium-ion polymer battery.

In one embodiment, the power module 328 is recharged via the data port308, and/or via an external charger (not shown). In one embodiment, thepower module 328 has an input power rating of 5 Vdc at 150 mA, and alifetime of 6 hours, although other input power ratings and lifetimesare possible. In one embodiment, the audio device 304 is able to playaudio data files for at least about 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 hours, or morebefore the power module 328 is recharged. In one embodiment, the audiodevice 304 is able to play audio files for greater than about 6 hoursbefore the power module 328 is recharged. In one embodiment, the powermodule 328 is able to be recharged in no more than about 3 hours, andreaches at least about 80% recharge in no more than about 1 hour. In oneembodiment, the audio device 304 includes a power save function toconserve power consumption from the power module 328. For example, inone embodiment, when the audio device 304 has not been activated by theuser for a period of time, the audio device 304 enters a sleep state, orautomatically turns itself off. In one embodiment, the audio device 304turns itself off after about 5, 10, 20, or 40 minutes of non-use.

The audio device 304 may also include a memory module 330, which in oneembodiment stores audio data files. The memory module 330 may includeany of a variety of electronic memory devices, including but not limitedto, a hard drive, flash memory, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or PROM. In oneembodiment, the memory module 330 includes NAND flash memory. In oneembodiment, the memory module 330 includes at least about 128 MB. Inother embodiments, the memory module 330 includes, by way of example, atleast about 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB of memory.

The memory module 330 may be permanently contained within the audiodevice 304, or may be removable. For example, in one embodiment, thememory module 330 includes an SD memory card, a compact flash memorycard, a USB drive, a MEMORYSTICK, SMARTSTICK, and/or any other removablememory device as is well known to those of skill in the art.

Conductors 332 generally provide direct or indirect electricalcommunication between the various components of the audio device 304. Inone embodiment, the conductors 332 include a data bus, powerdistribution network or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, theconductors 332 include a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), aconductive paint or coating, an Aricon fiber, or a Kevlar fiber. The PCBmay be a multi-conductor PCB, and in one embodiment includes multipleconductors. In one embodiment, the PCB includes five conductors. Inanother embodiment, the conductors 332 include fiber dipped in orotherwise coated with a highly-conductive material, such as, forexample, an aramid yarn or Kevlar fiber containing silver, or any otherconductor known to those of skill in the art.

The conductors 332 may be embedded within the frame of the audio device304 or applied to a surface of the audio device 304. In anotherembodiment, the audio device 304 includes both embedded andsurface-applied conductors 332. In one embodiment, conductors 332include conduits, such as conduits 73 ai, 73 bi, 274 i, and 14Ai′, asillustrated above in FIG. 3M. The conductors 332 may be embedded withinthe frame of the audio device 304 by extending through a channel, suchas channel 316 illustrated in FIG. 3M. In other embodiments, theconductors 332 are applied to a surface of the audio device 304. In oneembodiment, conductors 332 are applied to the surface of the audiodevice 304 such as the frame and/or lens and include conductive metalsor paint. Conductive paints and coatings are well known to those ofskill in the art, and include, for example, the ELECTRODAG series ofproducts manufactured by Acheson industries in Port Huron, Mich.

In one embodiment, the conductors 332 include conductive paints of oneor more colors. By using conductors 332 having colors, the conductors332 function as electrical conductors and provide design and aestheticenhancement of the audio device 304.

In one embodiment, the audio device 304 includes dual automaticequalization. The audio device 304 may also include static and/or noisecorrection, and/or active or passive noise cancellation. The audiodevice 304 has a total harmonic distortion of less than about 1.0% and,in one embodiment, less than about 0.1%. The signal-to-noise ratio isgenerally greater than about 80 dB, and in one embodiment, at leastabout 90 dB.

In one embodiment, the audio device 304 receives a wireless signal, suchas an FM or satellite radio, or wireless network, infrared, Bluetoothsignal, or the like. The audio device 304 identifies audio signalinformation in the wireless signal, such as the performer of a songcorresponding to the wireless signal.

The audio device 304 compares the audio signal information to storedpreference information to determine whether to receive and store thewireless signal corresponding to a particular song. For example, in oneembodiment, a user provides the audio device 304 with a list ofpreferred information, which includes preferred song names, artistnames, or show or program titles. The audio device 304 monitors wirelesssignals to determine if preferred information is or will be broadcast.If the audio device 304 determines that preferred information is or willbe broadcast, the audio device 304 receives the preferred informationand saves it in the memory module 330. In one embodiment, the audiodevice 304 receives the preferred information and compresses itaccording to any of the compression or de-compression schemes describedin greater detail above. Once compressed, the preferred information issaved in the memory module 330.

In another embodiment, a user provides the audio device 304 with a listof preferred information, which includes preferred song names, artistnames, or show or program titles. The audio device 304 also receives aprogram guide, which generally indicates the schedule of transmission ofsongs, programs, or other content from a content source 302, such as thecontent source 302 shown in FIG. 21. The audio device 304 determineswhen preferred information will be available by comparing the preferredinformation to the program guide. The audio device 304 receives andstores the preferred information based upon the comparison.

In one embodiment, the audio device 304 is generally light-weight, andable to be worn comfortably by a user for an extended period of time. Inone embodiment, the audio device 304 weighs less than about 75 g, lessthan about 50 g, or less than about 30 g. In one embodiment, the audiodevice 304 weights about 52 g.

One embodiment of a method of audio playback 350 is illustrated in FIG.23. An audio file is received at block 352. The audio file may be any ofthe compressed or non-compressed digital file formats described abovewith respect to FIGS. 21 and 22, or may be any other audio file. Theaudio file may be any content described above with respect to FIG. 21.In one embodiment, the audio file is an MP3 formatted audio file.

The audio file is stored in the audio device 304 at block 354. At block356, the method 350 determines whether the user has instructed the audiodevice 304 to play back the audio file. If not, the method 350 continuesto block 358, where the method 350 determines whether the user hasinstructed the audio device 304 to load an audio file into the audiodevice 304. If not, the method 350 returns to block 356. If the user hasinstructed the audio device 304 to load an audio file, the method 350returns to block 352.

If at block 356 the user has instructed the audio device 304 to playback an audio file, the method 350 continues to block 360. At block 360the method processes an audio file. In one embodiment, block 360includes any one or a combination functions that may be performed withrespect to an audio file. For example, at block 360 the audio file maybe selected, the playback volume may be adjusted, the tone, balance,bass, treble, or other audio parameter may be adjusted, and/or any otherprocessing function may occur.

At block 362 the audio file is played back, which in one embodimentincludes decompressing an audio file, converting it to an analog signal,and sending a signal to speakers so that the audio file may be heard bya user. After block 362 the method 350 returns to block 358.

FIG. 24 illustrates an audio device 304 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. The audio device 304 of FIG. 24 maybe the same as and/or include any or all of the features of any of theaudio devices described above with respect to FIGS. 1-23. The audiodevice 304 of FIG. 24 includes a frame 380, which includes an ear stem382, an electronic housing 384, a coupling 386, and orbitals 388. Theembodiment of audio device 304 illustrated in FIG. 24 is adapted to beworn on the head of a user as a pair of eyeglasses, although otherconfigurations for the support of audio device 304 may be employed.

In one embodiment, the electronic housing 384 is a hollow cavity formedwithin the audio device 304 frame 380. Electronic components of theaudio device 304, for example, any one or all of the componentsdescribed above with respect to FIG. 22 and elsewhere herein, are atleast partially enclosed within electronic housing 384. In oneembodiment, the audio device 304 includes at least three buttons 390,which extend from the electronic housing 384, and allow user controlover operation of the audio device 304. The orbitals 388 of the audiodevice 304 at least partially enclose and/or support a lens 392.Additional details regarding the lens 392 of the audio device 304 areprovided in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 26-28.

In one embodiment, the frame 380 of the audio device 304 includes twoear stems 382. The right ear stem 382 may include an electronic housing384, and the left ear stem 382 may include a housing (not shown) tocarry a power source 328 (not shown), for example, an AAAA battery, arechargeable battery, or any other power source described above. Powerfrom the power source 328 is provided to the electronic components ofthe audio device 304 within the electronic housing 384 via conductors332 (not shown). In such configuration, the weight of the audio device304 may be substantially evenly distributed across the user's head, asdescribed in greater detail above.

In one embodiment, power is provided from one ear stem 382 to the otherear stem 382 across the upper orbital and nose bridge portion 442 (asshown in FIG. 27) of the audio device 304 frame 380. Analog signals thatcorrespond to a selected compressed digital audio file are provided fromthe electronic housing 384 to the ear stem 382 that carries theelectronic housing 384, and across the nose bridge portion 442 to theother ear stem 382. From the ear stems 382, the analog signal isprovided to right and left speakers 400 via the right and left couplings386 and extensions 398. In another embodiment, the analog signals areconducted at least partially through or upon the orbitals 388 of theaudio device 304 frame 380.

In another embodiment, electronics components are distributed along theframe 380 of the audio device 304. In one embodiment, digital signalsthat correspond to a selected compressed digital audio file are providedthrough, within or upon the frame 380. For example, in one embodiment,digital signals are provided across the nose bridge portion 442 of theaudio device 304 frame 380. In one embodiment, digital-to-analogconverters 314 are included in the right and left speaker 400 housings,such that audible audio is generated by the speakers 400 based upon thedigital signals.

In one embodiment, the coupling 386 of the audio device 304 includes ahollow chamber (not illustrated), into which a boom 394 of a support arm396 extends. The support arm 396 also includes an extension 398 and aspeaker 400. Speaker 400 is attached to the extension 398 at a speakerpivot 402. Although one speaker pivot 402 is illustrated, each supportarm 396 may include more than one speaker pivot 402 to provideadditional adjustability of the speaker 400 with respect to a user'sear. In one embodiment, speaker pivot 402 includes a pin, hinge, cam,and/or ball joint. The boom 394 is configured to at least partiallyslide along and rotate about its longitudinal axis (illustrated as boomaxis 404) within the coupling 386. In one embodiment, longitudinaltranslation of boom 394 with respect to coupling 386 along the boom axis404 results in speaker 400 position adjustment in an anterior orposterior direction (“z-axis” adjustability, as described below) withrespect to a user's ear.

In another embodiment, rotation of boom 394 about the boom axis 404provides adjustment of the angular orientation of speaker 400 withrespect to the user's ears. In one embodiment, boom 394 is configured torotate about its longitudinal axis such that speaker 400 is directedinward, towards a user's ear. In another embodiment, boom 394 isconfigured to rotate such that speaker 400 is directed outward andupward, away from a user's ear by at least about 35 degrees and in someembodiments at least about 65 degrees from vertical. Such adjustabilityis particularly useful for allowing a user to use a telephone withoutrequiring removal of audio device 304 from user's head.

Speaker pivot 402 allows speaker 400 to rotate through an arc about therotational center of the pivot 402, thereby providing additionalsuperior-inferior as well as anterior-posterior speaker positionadjustability. See FIG. 24A. Rotation through an arc of at least about45 degrees, and often at least about 90 degrees or 120 degrees iscontemplated. In one embodiment, speaker pivot 402 additionally permitsspeaker 400 to rotate laterally with respect to a user's ear, asillustrated in FIG. 25, and discussed in greater detail below withrespect to FIGS. 29-31. Sound emitted from speaker 400 is generallyemitted along a sound propagation axis 406, which is generallytransverse a speaker face 408. Inward and outward rotation of speaker400 about speaker pivot 402 permits adjustment of the speaker face 408and the sound propagation axis 406 with respect to a user's ear. In oneembodiment, speaker 400 is adjustable over an adjustment range 410 ofabout 45°. In other embodiments, speaker 400 is adjustable over anadjustment range 410 of no more than about 5°, 10°, 15°, 25°, 30°, or60°. In one embodiment, speaker is adjustable over an adjustment rangeof greater than about 25°. Additional discussion regarding speaker 400adjustability is discussed in greater detail below.

Overall, in one embodiment, the audio device 304 provides speaker 400adjustability in about four degrees-of-freedom with respect to a user'sear. In other embodiments, the audio device 304 provides speaker 400adjustability in one, two, three or more than three degrees-of-freedom.

The lens 392 of the audio device 304 may be any of a variety of lensesdescribed above, including but not limited to, sunglass lens, waterwhitelens, UV filtering lens, plano lens, magnifying lens, prescription lens,polarized lens, tinted lens, bifocal lens, trifocal lens, Polaroid lens,photochromic lens, protective lens, or the like. The lens 392 may bemanufactured from a variety of materials, as described above, includingplastic, polymers, or glass, or a combination thereof. Polycarbonate andCR-39 are suitable non-glass lens materials. In addition, the lens 392may be fabricated by injection molding, coining, thermoforming, coating,or layering one or more materials together, as is well known to those ofskill in the art. The lens 392 may be interchangeable so that a user canselect the lens 392 attached to the audio device 304 depending upon theuser's preference.

The term lens as used herein may refer either to a single lens in aunitary lens system, or a dual lens in a system having a separate lensfor each of the left and right line of sight. The lens generallycomprises a lens body, having a front surface, a rear surface, and athickness therebetween. The front surface of the lens preferablyconforms to a portion of the surface of a solid geometric shape, such asa portion of the surface of a first sphere having a first center. Therear surface of the lens preferably conforms substantially to a portionof the surface of a solid geometric shape, which may be the same ordifferent than that conforming to the front surface. Preferably, therear surface conforms substantially to a portion of the surface of asecond sphere, having a second center.

The first and second centers are offset from one another to taper thelens thickness. Preferably, the lens is mounted in the frame such that aline drawn through the first and second centers is maintainedsubstantially parallel with a wearer's reference line of sight. Often,the wearer's reference line of sight will be the wearer's straight aheadnormal line of sight.

The lens may be cut from a lens blank, or formed directly into its finalconfiguration such as by injection molding or other techniques known inthe art. The lens may be oriented on the head of a wearer by theeyeglass frame such that the straight ahead normal line of sight crossesthe posterior surface of the lens at an angle greater than about 95°,and often within the range of from about 100° to about 120°, whilemaintaining the optical center line of the lens in a substantiallyparallel relationship with the straight ahead normal line of sight ofthe wearer. The optical center line of the lens may or may not passthrough the lens. Further aspects of the optically correct embodiment ofthe lens for use in the present invention are disclosed, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 6,168,271 to Houston et al., entitled DecenteredNoncorrective Lens for Eyewear, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety herein.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 26-28, lens 392 is mounted toa lens mount 440, which is adjustable with respect to frame 380. Forexample, in one embodiment, lens mount 440 is coupled to a bridgeportion 442 of frame 380 via a pivot or hinge (not shown). The pivotallows the lens mount 440 and the lens 392 attached thereto, to rotateup and out of the visual field of the wearer. Such adjustability of thelens 392 allows the user to remove the lens 392 from the user's visualfield without requiring removal of the audio device 304 from the user'shead. In one embodiment, where the lens 392 includes sunglass lens,flip-up functionality advantageously permits the user to wear the audiodevice 304 in bright environments with the sunglass lens flipped down,and in dark environments with the sunglass lens flipped up.

A secondary lens may be provided for each of the wearer's right and leftlines of sight. The secondary lens may be secured to the frame 380 onthe posterior side of the primary lens 392, such that when the primarylens 392 is advanced from the first position as illustrated in FIG. 26to a second position as illustrated in FIG. 27, the secondary lensremains within the wearer's line of sight. The secondary lens may be awaterwhite lens, and may either be a prescription lens or a protectiveplano lens.

Any of a variety of mechanisms may be used to couple lens mount 440 tothe frame 380 of the audio device 304. Such mechanisms include pins,hinges, joints, including ball joints, and any other suitable mechanism,as are well known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, lensmount 440 is detachably coupled to frame 380 so that the user may removeand exchange lenses 392 depending upon the user's requirements. Forexample, lenses 392 of different color, shape, size, prescription, tintdarkness, polarization, filtering, or any other optical or aestheticquality may be interchanged and used with the audio device 304.

In one embodiment, the frame 380 includes a support ridge 444 formedwithin an edge of a frame orbital 388. The support ridge 444 isgenerally designed to accommodate a contact edge 446 of the lens 392,and to provide resistance and support for frontal impact against thelens 392. In one embodiment, the support ridge 444 provides impactresistance at or in excess of that required by a national orinternational standard, such as ANSI Z87.1-2003.

The lens 392 may be pivotably connected to the frame 380 in any of avariety of ways. In the illustrated embodiment, a medial side 393 oflens 392 is connected to a lens mount 440, which is pivotably connectedto the frame 380. Due to the bilateral symmetry of the disclosedembodiment, only a single lens 392 will be described herein.

The medial side 393 of the lens 392 is provided with structure forenabling a connection 395 to the lens mount 440. In the illustratedembodiment, lens 392 is provided with at least a first alignment recess397, which may be molded or formed in the medial side 393 of the lens392. The first alignment recess 397 is positioned to receive a firstalignment pin 399 which projects from the lens mount 440. Optionally, asecond alignment recess 401 may be positioned to receive a secondalignment pin 403, as illustrated in FIG. 27.

A fastener 405, such as a screw is advanced through an aperture in thelens 392 and into a threaded recess within lens mount 440. The fastener405, in cooperation with the alignment recess and alignment pinconfiguration described above, enable a secure attachment of the lens392 to the lens mount 440, with minimal encroachment upon the field ofview.

The fastener 405 may be provided with a knob, hexagonal recess, or otherrotational engagement structure, to permit rotation of the fastener 405by hand or with a tool, to enable exchange of the lens 392.Alternatively, fastener 405 may comprise any of a variety of snap fitstructures, to permit removal of the lens 392 and replacement with analternative lens 392.

The mechanical center of each lens is displaced from the axis ofrotation of the lens mount 440 by sufficient distance to enable the lens392 to be rotated in and out of engagement with the support ridge 444,even with rake and wrap angles in excess of about 6° or 8° or 10°. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation of the lens mount 440is displaced from the mechanical center of the lens by at least about0.25″, and, in some embodiments, at least about 0.5″. In the illustratedembodiment, the axis of rotation of the lens mount 440 extends withinabout 0.125″ of the upper edge of the lens 392 when the lens is in thefirst, lowered position, when viewed in a front elevational view.

The support ridge 444 may be provided with at least one recess 407, forreceiving the fastener 405, to maximize the contact surface area betweenthe lens 392 and the support ridge 444. The lens mount 440 may beprovided with a spring bias, such as a first surface spring biasedagainst a second, cam surface to bias the lens 392 against the supportridge 440 when the lens is in the first position, and to bias the lens392 away from the wearer's line of sight when the lens 392 is in thesecond position.

An embodiment of the audio device 304 is generally adapted to be worn atleast partially upon the head 460 of a user. A top view of a user's headis generally illustrated in FIG. 29. The head 460 includes two ears 462.The external, visible portion of the ear 462 is generally referred to asthe pinna 464 or auricle. A small, cartilaginous protrusion within thepinna 464 is known as the tragus 466. The size and shape of the tragus466 varies between individuals, but it generally extends posteriorly andsometimes slightly laterally with respect to the head 460. Atragus-tragus line 466 extends laterally across the head 460, betweenthe posterior limit of each of the left and right tragus, and generallybisects the head 460, as viewed from above. A lateral plane of symmetry470 extends transverse the tragus-tragus line 466, substantiallybisecting both the user's head 460 and nose 472.

FIG. 30 illustrates a top, horizontal cross-sectional view of theexternal portion of a user's left ear 462 where the speaker 400 (notshown) of an audio device 304 (not shown) is not positioned against, orpartially within the ear 462. The ear 462 includes a pinna 464 andtragus 466 as described above. The ear 462 also includes a concha 480,outer ear canal 486, and external auditory meatus 484 or opening of theouter ear canal 482. The posterior aspect of the auditory meatus 486partially separates the concha 480 and outer ear canal 482. FIG. 29 alsoillustrates anterior 488 and posterior 490 directions with respect tothe user's head 460. Tragus line 468 lies on a tangent to the posteriorlimit of the tragus 466.

A speaker 400 placed partially within the ear 462 of a user isillustrated in FIG. 31. The face 408 of a speaker 400 lies generally ina speaker plane 494, which intersects the tragus-tragus line 468 at anorientation angle 496 such that sound emitted from the speaker 400 alongthe sound propagation axis 406 is directed towards an anterior wall 498of the outer ear canal 482. By adjusting the orientation angle 496 ofthe speaker face 408 with respect to the tragus-tragus line 468, soundquality and enjoyment may be enhanced.

In one embodiment, when the speaker 400 is placed within a user's ear462, the speaker 400 may contact the ear 462 at the tragus 466 andposterior aspect of auditory meatus 486, as illustrated in FIG. 30. Theorientation angle 496 formed by such speaker 400 placement may be any ofa variety of angles, preferably directing the sound propagation axis inan anteriorly inclined direction. In one embodiment, the orientationangle 496 is in the range of between about 15° and 85°, between about20° and 50°, or between about 20° and 30°. In one embodiment, theorientation angle is about 25°.

An audio device 304 and a reference system 500 are shown in FIGS. 32-35.Referring first to FIG. 32, audio device 304 generally includes twospeakers 400, each having a speaker face 408, as described in greaterdetail above. The speaker face 408 has a centerpoint 409, which in oneembodiment is the mechanical center of the planar surface substantiallyparallel to the speaker face 408 and bounded by a speaker perimeter 411.

In one embodiment, reference system 500 includes three axes 502, 504,506 that may be used to describe the position, orientation, and degreesof freedom of movement and rotation of the speakers 400, the speakerfaces 408, and speaker face centers 409 with respect to the audio device304. The reference system 500 includes an x-axis 502, a y-axis 504, anda z-axis 506. In one embodiment, the x-axis 502 is parallel to areference axis x′, as shown in FIG. 33, which is tangential to the ends508 of the ear stems 382 which, in a typical, symmetrical eyeglass, haveapproximately the same length. In the illustrated embodiment, the x-axis502 lies on a plane that bisects the anterior-posterior dimensions ofthe audio device 304. The x-axis 502 generally extends laterally, orfrom side-to-side with respect to a wearer's head when the audio device304 is worn.

A z-axis 506 bisects the eyeglass along its typical plane of symmetryand is perpendicular to the x-axis as illustrated in FIG. 33. The z-axis506 generally extends in a posterior-to-anterior direction with respectto a wearer's head when the audio device 304 is worn.

A y-axis 504 is perpendicular to the x-axis 502, as illustrated in FIG.34. The y-axis 504 lies on a plane that bisects the audio device 304.The y-axis 504 generally extends in an inferior-to-superior directionwith respect to a wearer's head when the audio device 304 is worn. Inone embodiment, the x-axis 502, y-axis 504, and z-axis 506 aresubstantially perpendicular to one another.

The axes 502, 504, 506 of the reference system 500 define multipleplanes, which may also be used to describe the position, orientation,and degrees of freedom of movement and rotation of the speakers 400, thespeaker faces 408, and speaker face centers 409 with respect to theaudio device 304. For example, in one embodiment, the x-axis 502 andz-axis 506 define an xz-plane, the x-axis 502 and y-axis 504 define anxy-plane, and the y-axis 504 and z-axis 506 define a yz-plane, asillustrated in FIGS. 33-35 respectively. The term “substantiallyparallel” as used herein is intended to include deviations from parallelthat are induced by resonable manufacturing tolerances and normalanatomical variations as the context may require. In addition, a termsuch as “the yz-plane” is intended to include the yz-plane and allplanes parallel to the yz-plane unless indicated otherwise eitherexpressly or by context. Motion along, for example, the x-axis refersalso to motion along any parallel to the x-axis.

Referring back to FIG. 32, in the illustrated configuration, the speakerfaces 408 of the speakers 400 lie on a plane that is substantiallyparallel to the yz-plane. The speaker 400, speaker face 408, andcenterpoint 409 may be moved linearly anteriorly or posteriorly in thez-axis 506 by employing any of a variety of devices, speaker mounts,joints and couplings, as described in greater detail above. For example,by coupling speaker 400 to a boom 394 that slides within a coupling 386,speaker 400 may be linearly translated in a direction substantiallyparallel to the z-axis 506, as illustrated in FIG. 3F and elsewhereherein.

In one embodiment, the linear z-axis translation distance will varydepending upon the particular design of the boom 394 and coupling 386.Preferably, a z-axis range of at least about 0.25 inches will normallybe used. For example, by using a longer boom 394 and coupling 386,z-direction linear translation may be increased. In addition, by using atelescoping boom 394, z-direction linear translation may also beincreased. In one embodiment, a telescoping boom 394 includes at leasttwo substantially concentric structures (e.g., tubes), that slide withrespect to one another, and allow the boom 394 to be manipulated from afirst, compacted configuration to a second, extended configuration.Other nested or slider and track structures may be utilized, as will beappreciated by those of skill in the art. For example, any of a varietyof axially elongate rails may be aligned in the z-axis, to serve as thecoupling 386. The extension 398 may be provided with any of a variety ofcomplementary clamps or retainers for traveling axially along the rail,thereby providing z-axis adjustability of the speaker.

In one embodiment, a locking or dampening mechanism (not shown) is usedto secure the boom 394, and to fix the position of the speaker 400 fromor provide resistance to further movement in the z-axis 506. Forexample, in one embodiment, a compression ring or collar is used toapply friction between the boom 394 and the coupling 386, or betweennested, concentric structures of a telescoping boom 394. This enables awearer to adjust the z-axis position of the speaker by overcoming thefriction, but the friction will retain the position selected by thewearer. Locking structures, including pins, levers, clasps, switches,knobs, and latches may also be utilized.

During movement of the speaker 400 in the z-axis 506 by axial movementof the boom 394 speaker face 408 may either also be adjusted or mayremain substantially parallel to the yz-plane. Speaker 400 may be movedin certain embodiments in a direction substantially parallel to thez-axis 506 while speaker face 408 remains positioned at a preset anglewith respect to the yz-plane. For example, referring to FIGS. 25 and32-35, speaker 400 may be inclined at an angle with respect to theyz-plane that is within an adjustment range 410. While, before, or afterthe speaker 400 is positioned at the selected angle, the speaker's 400position along an axis substantially parallel to the z-axis 506 may beadjusted, as described above.

Similarly, in another embodiment, the speaker 400 may be moved in adirection substantially parallel to either or both of the x-axis 502 ory-axis 504. For example, in one embodiment, the speaker face 408 remainssubstantially fixed with respect to the yz-plane while the speaker face408 is laterally or medially displaced along an axis substantiallyparallel to the x-axis 502. Such movement may be achieved by utilizingany of a variety of x-axis telescoping or track and slider mechanismswell known to those of skill in the art. For example, in one embodiment,the speaker 400 is coupled to the audio device 304 with a slider. Theslider moves within a guide extending along the x-axis and provideslateral movement of the speakers 400 along the x-axis. Alternatively, apivotable joint can be provided at each end of the extension 398.

In another embodiment, the speaker 400 includes a threaded portion thatmates with a threaded counterpart on the speaker support. Lateraldisplacement along a direction substantially parallel to the x-axis 502is achieved by rotating the speaker 400 with respect to its threadedcounterpart. In one embodiment, the speaker's threaded portion includesmale threads, and the threaded counterpart includes female threads. Inanother embodiment, the speaker's threaded portion includes femalethreads, and the threaded counterpart includes male threads. Inaddition, in other embodiments, the speaker 400 moves laterally at anangle offset from the x-axis 502.

Speaker 400 movement in any direction may be de-coupled from movement inother directions. For example, linear translation of the speaker 400along the z-axis 506 (or an axis substantially parallel thereto) doesnot necessarily result in translation or movement of the speaker 400along either the x-axis 502 or y-axis 504. However, in otherembodiments, speaker 400 movement in one direction may be coupled tomovement in one or more other directions as well. Such coupled movementsare described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the speakers 400 of the audio device 304 may berotated within one or more planes. The term “rotation” is intended toinclude both rotation of an object about an axis extending through theobject, as well as movement of an object through an arcuate path about acenter of rotation separated by an offset distance from the object.

Referring again to FIG. 32, speaker 400 is coupled to extension 398 witha speaker pivot 402. In one embodiment, speaker 400 rotates aboutspeaker pivot 402, and an axis that extends through the speaker pivot402, and which is substantially parallel to the x-axis 502. During suchrotation, in one embodiment, the speaker face 408 remains substantiallyparallel to a yz-plane (or a reference plane that is located at anoffset angle with respect to the yz-plane), while the speaker 400centerpoint 409 moves in an arcuate path within the yz-plane (or withina reference plane that is located at an offset angle with respect to theyz-plane). Although the speaker pivot 402 is illustrated as located atthe connection between the speaker and the extension 398, it couldalternatively be located at the connection between the extension 398 andthe boom or other attachment point to the eyeglasses, or along thelength of the extension 398. At least two pivots may also be provided,such as one at each end of the extension 398, depending upon the desiredperformance.

Rotation of speaker 400 about the speaker pivot 402 provides arcuatemovement of the speaker 400 in the yz-plane. Such movement allowssuperior-inferior (e.g. y-axis) adjustment of speaker 400 position withrespect to a user's ear without adjusting the rest of the frame 380 ofthe audio device 304. Y-axis adjustability of the speaker center 409 ofat least about 0.25 inches, often at least about 0.45 inches and in someembodiments at least about 0.75 inches is contemplated. By adjusting thespeaker 400 position, the speaker's sound propagation axis may beoriented with respect to a user's ear without adjusting the frame 380 ofthe audio device 304.

Any of a variety of structures may be used as the speaker pivot 402, asdescribed in greater detail above. For example, the speaker pivot 402may include a ball and socket joint, concentric tubes, a pin andchannel, a joint, a hinge, a lever, or any other structure that providesrotation coupling, as is known to those of skill in the art.

In another embodiment, speaker 400 may be rotated laterally about a boomaxis 404 (as illustrated in FIGS. 3H and 24) to provided furtherrotational adjustability of the speaker 400 in the x-axis. In oneembodiment, rotation of speaker 400 about a boom axis 404 results inarcuate movement of the speaker 400 from a first, listening position, inwhich the speaker face 408 is substantially parallel to the yz-plane (orto a reference plane that is offset from the yz-plane by a first offsetangle), to a second position in which the speaker face 408 may besubstantially parallel to the xz-plane (or to a reference plane that isoffset from the xz-plane by a second offset angle). The offset betweenthe speaker and the center of rotation (boom axis 404) defines theradius of arcuate movement of the speaker within the xy-plane. An x-axisoffset (when the speaker is in the second position) of at least about0.25 inches, often at least about 0.5 inches, and in some embodiments atleast about 1.0 inches, is contemplated.

In such embodiment, the speaker 400 and its centerpoint 409 move withina plane that is substantially parallel to the xy-plane from the firstposition along an arcuate path in a lateral, superior direction to thesecond position. The speaker 400 may be moved back to the first positionby traveling along the arcuate path in a medial, inferior direction fromthe second position. A speaker 400 shown in one embodiment of a firstposition is illustrated in FIGS. 32-35. In another embodiment, thespeaker 400 is configured to rotate from a first position in which thespeaker face 408 is substantially parallel to the yz-plane to a secondposition in which the speaker 400 is inclined at an angle with respectto the yz-plane.

In one embodiment, this movement of the speaker 400 and its centerpoint409 within the xy-plane allows the wearer to raise the speaker 400 fromadjacent the wearer's ear without moving or adjusting the remainingportion of the frame 380 of the audio device 304. Such movement allowsthe wearer to receive a telephone call if the eyeglass is not equippedwith an internal cellular phone and place the speaker of a hand heldtelephone adjacent the wearer's ear without requiring the removal of theaudio device 304 from the wearer's head.

In another embodiment, speaker 400 may be rotated about a reference axisthat extends in a direction substantially parallel to the y-axis 504.One example of such adjustability is illustrated in FIG. 25, and isdiscussed in greater detail above. In one embodiment, such adjustabilityallows the movement of the speaker 400 from a first position in whichthe speaker face 408 is substantially perpendicular to tragus-tragusline 468, the ear canal axis 492 and/or an axis substantially parallelto the x-axis 502, to a second position in which the speaker face 408 isoffset from the tragus-tragus line 468, the ear canal axis 492 and/or anaxis substantially parallel to the x-axis 502 by an offset angle 496.One example of such offset angle is described in greater detail abovewith respect to FIG. 31.

Any of a variety of structures may be used to provide rotationalmovement as described above. For example, the speaker 400 may be coupledto the frame 380 of the audio device 304 with a ball and socket joint,concentric tubes, a pin and channel, a joint, a hinge, a lever, or anyother structure that provides rotation coupling, as is known to those ofskill in the art.

Thus, the speakers 400 of the audio device 304 may be moved linearlywithin along directions substantially parallel to one or more of thex-axis 502, y-axis 504, z-axis 506, and/or any direction offset from anyone or more of the x-axis 502, y-axis 504, or z-axis 506 by a fixed oradjustable offset angle. In addition, in certain embodiments, thespeaker 400 of the audio device 304 may be moved typically through anarc residing within the xy-plane, the yz-plane, the xz-plane, and/or anypreselected plane offset from any one or more of the xy-plane, theyz-plane, or the xz-plane by a fixed or adjustable offset angle.

In addition, in one embodiment, such multi-dimensional adjustability maybe performed by moving the speaker 400 with respect to the audio device304 without requiring sliding or rotational adjustment of the frame 380.For example, in one embodiment, the speaker 400 is coupled to the audiodevice 304 frame 380 with a support which comprises flexible tube, orconduit, such as a gooseneck tube, wire bundle, or hollow wire. Suchflexible tubing allows independent, three-dimensional positioning of aspeaker 400 along any axis, and within any plane, without requiringadjustment of the position of the frame 380. The support retains theposition of the speaker selected by the wearer until adjusted again to adifferent position.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of a preferred constructionhaving certain features, aspects and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention. Accordingly, various changes and modifications may bemade to the above-described arrangements without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

1. A wearable wireless audio device, comprising: a support configured tosupport at least one lens in a wearer's field of view; an electronicscircuit supported by the support and configured to generate an audiosignal indicative of at least one digital audio file; a first speakersupported by the support, and configured to convert the audio signalinto sound; and a conductor configured to provide the audio signal tothe first speaker, wherein the speaker is configured to emit sound alonga sound propagation axis, and wherein the speaker is configured torotate from a first position in which the sound propagation axis issubstantially perpendicular to a yz-plane to a second position in whichthe sound propagation axis is inclined at an angle with respect to theyz-plane, wherein the speaker is coupled to the support with a speakerpivot, wherein the speaker is configured to rotate about the speakerpivot while maintaining the sound propagation axis substantiallyperpendicular to the yz-plane, and wherein the conductor extends fromthe speaker through at least the speaker pivot .
 2. A wearable wirelessaudio device as in claim 1, wherein the electronics circuit is furtherconfigured to process the digital audio file prior to generating theaudio signal.
 3. A wearable wireless audio device as in claim 1, whereinthe speaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which thespeaker face is substantially parallel to the yz-plane to a secondposition in which the speaker is substantially parallel to an xz-plane.4. A wearable wireless audio device as in claim 1, wherein the angle isbetween about 30° and about 90° .
 5. A wearable wireless audio device asin claim 1, wherein the speaker is configured to rotate along an arcuatepath about an axis substantially parallel to an x-axis from a firstposition in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to ayz-plane to a second position in which the speaker remains substantiallyparallel to the yz-plane, and wherein the speaker is configured to movean adjustment distance in a direction substantially parallel to a z-axisas a result of said rotation.
 6. A wearable wireless audio device as inclaim 5, wherein the adjustment distance is about 3 cm.
 7. A wearablewireless audio device as in claim 1, wherein the digital audio file iscompressed.
 8. A wearable wireless audio device as in claim 7, whereinthe digital audio file is an MP3 formatted file.
 9. A wearable wirelessaudio device as in claim 1, wherein the support further comprises achannel, wherein the channel extends along at least a portion of the earstem, and wherein the conductor is located at least partially within thechannel.
 10. A wearable wireless audio device as in claim 1, furthercomprising a second ear stem, wherein the electronics circuit comprisesa memory circuit and a processor, and wherein the memory circuit iscarried by the first ear stem, and the processor is carried by thesecond ear stem.
 11. A wearable wireless audio device as in claim 1,further comprising a second ear stem, wherein the electronics circuitcomprises a battery and a processor, and wherein the battery is carriedby the first ear stem, and the processor is carried by the second earstem.
 12. A wearable wireless audio device as in claim 1, furthercomprising a second ear stem, wherein the electronics components aredistributed between the first and second ear stems.
 13. A wearablewireless audio device as in claim 1, further comprising a nose bridge,wherein digital signals generated by the electronics circuit aretransmitted across the nose bridge.
 14. A wearable wireless audio deviceas in claim 1, further comprising a data port, wherein the data port iscarried by the ear stem.
 15. A wearable wireless audio device as inclaim 1, wherein said wearable wireless audio device is removablyconnectable to a computing device.
 16. A wearable wireless audio deviceas in claim 1, wherein the electronics circuit is further configured todecompress the audio file.
 17. A wearable wireless audio device as inclaim 1, wherein the electronics circuit is configured to receive atleast one digital audio file at a data transfer rate.
 18. A wearablewireless audio device as in claim 1, wherein the at least one digitalaudio file has been encoded at a data encoding rate.
 19. A wearablewireless audio device as in claim 18, wherein said data encoding rate isselected from the group consisting of: 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 256kbs, and more than about 256 kbps.
 20. A wearable wireless audio deviceas in claim 1, wherein the at least one digital audio file is compressedaccording to a compression format selected from the group consisting of:PCM, DPCM, ADPCM, AAC, RAW, DM, RIFF, WAV, BWF, AIFF, AU, SND, CDA,MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-2.5, MPEG-4, MPEG-J, MPEG 2-ACC, MP3, MP3Pro,ACE, MACE, MACE-3, MACE-6, AC-3, ATRAC, ATRAC3, EPAC, Twin VQ, VQF, WMA,WMA with DRM, DTS, DVD Audio, SACD, TAC, SHN, OGG, Ogg Vorbis, OggTarkin, Ogg Theora, ASF, LQT, QDMC, A2b, .ra, .rm, and Real Audio G2,RMX formats, Fairplay, Quicktime, SWF, and PCA.